Discussion of formative evaluation focuses on the history of its use by behavioral psychologists, and refutes the notion that it is a new idea. Names that have been used for the evaluation process are reviewed, and examples of formative evaluation in a variety of settings are given. (11 references) (LRW)

Reviews the traditional formative evaluation model used by instructional designers; summarizes Kirkpatrick's model of evaluation; proposes the integration of part of Kirkpatrick's model with traditional formative evaluation; and discusses performance-context formative evaluation. (three references) (LRW)

Outlines procedures involved in the formative evaluation of training materials in a draft stage before they are produced in their final form. The project manager's role is described, guidelines for conducting the tests and determining revisions are given, and worksheets to use in the process are provided. (LRW)

Presents a model for instructional design that highlights formative evaluation as the central process. Other models of instructional design are discussed; data collection methods are examined; the evaluator's role is considered; and the recursive nature of the design process is emphasized. (seven references) (LRW)

Discusses confirmative evaluation of instructional materials and learners that completes a cycle of evaluative steps to maintain performance standards of an instructional system. Formative and summative evaluation procedures for learners and instructional materials are described, examples of confirmative evaluation are given, and types of…

Describes the process by which Learner Verification and Revision (LVR) transforms information gathered during learner verification into revision prescriptions for the development of instructional materials. Robinson's and Gropper's procedural models for formative evaluation are also discussed and a study comparing the effectiveness of materials…

Reviews the basic assumptions of two paradigms of inquiry, the rationalist and the naturalist, to determine which one provides the best fit for one-to-one formative evaluation of instructional materials focusing on learnability issues. Conclusions suggest the naturalistic assumptions are more suitable. (13 references) (LRW)

Discusses the design of effective questionnaires based on the concept of a hierarchical classification of Levels of Information: global (Level I), general concept (Level II), and specific (Level III). By tying question types to the information desired, the entire questionnaire can be improved. (JJD)

Addresses the four questions raised by Yelon about use of pretests with instruction--should I pretest; on what should I pretest; how should I pretest; how should I adjust to results--and answers them from the perspective of instructional designers conducting formative evaluations to improve quality of instruction under development. (MBR)

Described back-end synthesis as the creation and integration of the secondary intervention required for efficient and cost-effective implementation of performance improvement programs. Involving analysis, design, evaluation, revision, and implementation, this process is related to front-end analysis, and a sample application in a performance…

Discusses the need for developmental testing of instructional materials and gives two examples of single-subject testing, one for self-instructional materials and one for short-term group instruction. Guidelines for single-subject testing are presented, and suggestions for longer courses are also given. (LRW)

This discussion of formative evaluation as part of the instructional design process focuses on developmental testing and expert review. A review of the literature helps define each approach, research on formative evaluation is reviewed, and 37 references are provided. (LRW)

Presents several steps for developing computer based learning materials, and shows that they can be less expensive to design and implement than those that are developed using other media. (MER)

This discussion of the use of computers to help improve written documents and support writing instruction briefly surveys the Writer's Workbench system, a set of programs that provides automated editorial feedback. A rationale for such programs is described and possible instructional uses are explored. Fourteen references are listed. (Author/MER)

Distinguishes between the process and products of science and describes the role of each in Instructional Development (ID). The observe, hypothesize, test components of the scientific process are examined as they apply to front-end analysis, instructional strategy description, and formative evaluation stages used in ID models. Thirty-four…