The process of formative evaluation used at the British Open University for course improvement is described.

The author proposes a learner-centered approach to the design and formative evaluation of OU courses.

Presents a follow-up study gauging the reactions of an Open University Course Team to the developmental testing of the broadcast element of their course. Problems in modifying the television component are identified and conditions necessary for the broadcast component to be tested and modified are suggested. (Author/CMV)

Some of the difficulties encountered when attempting the formative evaluation of Open University television and radio programs are discussed, and a few tentative conclusions about how the developmental testing of these programs might develop are considered. (Author/JEG)

A research study demonstrates that making revisions suggested by developmental testing of an Open University music course resulted in more effective learning, reduced study time, and fewer learning difficulties for students. (Author/STS)

To gauge reactions to the developmental testing of the broadcast component of an Arts Foundation Course, 18 members of the team identified as either producer or academic on a television or radio program tested were sent questionnaires containing open response type questions. In addition, the views of members of the Institute of Educational…

It is argued that students find it difficult to reap the full potential of television case study programs, and find it particularly difficult to integrate this material with the material contained in correspondence texts. The difficulties could be explained by examining more closely the various dimensions of a television case study:…

A regional program of pre-university courses in northwestern England open to adults with no entry qualifications is discussed. It uses some distance learning techniques but is investigating expansion to technical education through distance learning. The complexities and potential costs of such a substantial directional change are examined. (MSE)