Although assessment is acknowledged as vitally important in its effect on students' approaches to learning, there is much criticism of assessment practice. This paper argues that if a social constructivist approach is applied to the assessment process many of the problems could be overcome. It describes what a social constructivist approach to…

Three studies investigating the existence of sex bias in the grading of undergraduate students, by examining interrater reliability for blind and non-blind grading, are reported. Negative evidence found in the results and the confusing picture presented by previous research indicate little firm evidence of sex bias in grading. (Author/MSE)

Preliminary findings concerning crib card examinations, in which students bring their own notes for use during testing, show that while crib card test results were similar to those from traditional examinations, students' anxiety was reduced, and testing time was saved, claims that the cards may enhance learning were not substantiated. (MSE)

A study revealing wide variation in the grading of electronics engineering test items by different evaluators has implications for evaluator and test item selection, analysis and manipulation of grades, and the use of numerical methods of assessment. (MSE)

Use of peer assessment as a method of differentiating between individual students on a group project is examined. A peer appraisal questionnaire and a method for calculating a peer assessment factor from it are presented. The method's use in a large course and some possible modifications are discussed. The questionnaire is appended. (Author/MSE)

A study of the use of cassette tapes to give feedback to colleagues on written work found that the method was convenient for the giver and receiver, and was perceived to be more helpful in a variety of ways and more motivating than traditional written feedback. (MSE)

An experiment in self-assessed learning in which college students set their own goals weekly and prepare a self-assessment open to discussion by peers encountered some problems but was found to be the only method of achieving "deep," as contrasted with "surface," learning in higher education. (MSE)

A study of the reliability of oral tests in a medical school illustrates the use of a balanced incomplete block design, chosen when not all participating examiners can rate each examinee, for experimental research. (MSE)

This article considers the methods and difficulties of establishing, sharing and applying assessment standards within module teams working in a business school. Against a background of increasing reliance on explicit knowledge to establish standards in the HE sector the study looks at ways in which staff within module teams attempted to reach a…

A number of recent articles have claimed strong relationships--i.e., very high "proportions of shared variance"--between pairs of teaching and learning questionnaires. These claims have been the subject of debate and it has emerged that the proportion of shared variance is defined as the complement of Wilks' lambda. The present article argues that…

A study comparing continuous assessment of a British business administration program with traditional summative evaluation found that continuous assessment had resulted in a rise in standards. (MSE)

The importance and problems of evaluating the final-year projects of students in electrical and electronics engineering education are discussed, and guidelines for achieving uniformity in assessment are given. The approaches used in two African universities are also described. (Author/MSE)

Literature concerning the validity and reliability of both written and computer-based simulations in assessing clinical competence in the health professions is reviewed, and suggestions are given for the improvement of the psychometric qualities of simulation-based tests. (MSE)

A course evaluation method is described in which the adoption of a desirable change is integral to the process of evaluation designed to motivate teachers, students, and other course organizers to improve and consequently change the structure, content, and conduct of the course when necessary. The course illustrated leads to a Postgraduate…

Some major recent developments in program and student evaluation in Canadian colleges and universities are outlined and factors contributing to their success are identified. Critical issues involved in program evaluation, criteria for excellence, and evaluation of student learning are discussed, especially as related to questions of accountability…