An evaluation of the in-service education and training (INSET) of teachers in Britain is based on careful analysis of the characteristics of the evaluation task, target, and agent and, more specifically, upon the way in which these three factors interact in any one cell of the model. (JMF)

School focused in-service education and training (INSET) is a synthesis of course-based and school-based models. Three elements are considered: identification and definition of needs; development and execution of appropriate INSET activities to meet these needs; and evaluation. (JMF)

Both the need for, and the difficulties of, school effectiveness evaluation are examined, especially the setting of useful and objective performance standards. Several potential indicators and evaluation methods are reviewed. (SJL)

Evaluation as a meta-activity is a process which assumes that the definition of problems is itself problematic. In evaluation as a technical activity, agreed criteria are applied to agreed policy problems. This distinction has important implications for the role of universities and research funding. (Author/CM)

An Approach to formative evaluation is described that attempts to actively involve students and explore the meaning of processes, activities, and performances in terms of the wide variety of students' perceptions and responses. When poor student performance is not attributable to lack of effort or ability, the need for a more personal…

The five papers included in this collection illustrate the current concerns of those involved in the development and implementation of assessment procedures. A one year in-course assessment procedure conducted at Leicester University is described, including the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure. The problems of interpreting the results…