A systematic approach to course presentation is suggested which is both rigorous and quantitative. It does not reduce the amount of effort which has to be put into course assessment but does provide a mathematical framework within which the relevent information can be displayed. (Author)

This paper reviews some of the suggested indices of learning and of the problems inherent in gain measures. It then discusses the relevance of criterion-referenced testing and of operationally-defined testing to the measurement of achievement. (Editor)

Reviews current approaches to the examination of medical students' clinical competence, mentioning differences in approaches adopted in Australia, Great Britain, and North America. Test methods used in examination are discussed critically and their separate strengths and weaknesses are highlighted. Newer approaches involving multiple methods and…

Some of the factors which hinder the development of research and evaluation in central service units producing instructional television programs in universities are considered." (Editor)

Discusses the background for the evaluation of a new clinical course in medicine and possible methods and problems and outlines the planned strategy and initial experiences. (CHC)

Describes an approach to course evaluation based on experience gained during 18 full scale course evaluations at the University of Adelaide. It is presented as one approach which has proved to be successful for the evaluator who is subjected to definite practical constraints, e.g., time. (JEG)

Discusses the problems related to evaluating in-service minicourses at Macquarie University, Sydney, and the results of two preliminary studies. The first examined participants' perceptions of the degree to which specified objectives were achieved for each course. The second was a questionnaire surveying the opinions of past participants.…

Describes the recording of protocols of student problem solving, some of the problems arising in this approach, and the difficulties faced by the researcher. (Author)

Describes a study comparing nine different methods of data collection with nine different kinds of data sought. Each was assigned a value on a scale of 0 to 5. The resulting chart indicates the method of collection having the highest probability of success for the purpose required. (Author/JEG)

Describes a way of classifying and measuring the representation of the physical world and the use of metaphor in textbook illustration which is based on information content. It can be used to provide data to help in assessing the value of textbook illustrations and compare their illustrative styles. (Author/MBR)

Describes types of learning and organizational strategies and suggests that pattern noting--a technique to organize information in a relational manner showing linkages between topics--is a powerful organizational strategy. An algorithmic procedure for semantically analyzing pattern notes and various pattern note applications are described.…

This course design is characterized by a small group organization, course processes as models, direct personal learning about teaching in a supportive microteaching environment, and continuous evaluation and feedback. The evidence suggests that the course meets the needs of the university teacher and has desirable academic, social, and personal…

Verbal transactions between students and tutors during radio tutorials for courses offered by the University of Western Australia and Murdoch University were studied to determine how the medium affected the tutorial process. It was found that radio tutorials were successful in providing students with the opportunity to participate in discussions.…