Background: Concept maps are a valid assessment tool to explore student understanding of diverse topics. Many types of academic programs have integrated concept mapping into their courses, resulting in various activities and scoring methods to understand student perceptions. Purpose: Few prior reviews of concept mapping have addressed their use…

This paper presents a critical review of literature investigating assessment of mathematical modelling. Written tests, projects, hands-on tests, portfolio and contests are modes of modelling assessment identified in this study. The written tests found in the reviewed papers draw on an atomistic view on modelling competencies, whereas projects are…

This article provides an overview of the current trends in assessment practice within the field of graphic design. The demands placed on educators to apply sound assessment practice for Higher Education subjects is as intense in the field of graphic design as in any other. Forcing the assessment of creative visual work into existing assessment…

Offers an overview of the numerous perspectives to be covered in holistic evaluation of residential institutions. The following six aspects are emphasized and recommended for consideration in evaluation research: (1) process model; (2) consumer perceptions; (3) adaptation models; (4) functions for the system and wider society; (5) congruence; and…

Scoring systems for direct writing assessment are described. In holistic scoring, a global quality judgment of the writing sample is made. Primary trait scoring, developed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, is conducted in accordance with specific goals. Analytic scoring identifies characteristics and quality of writing. These…

Claims that holistic scoring offers significant advantages over conventional grading systems for: (1) placing students in extra help or enrichment classes; (2) evaluating incoming or transfer students; (3) regrouping existing classroom situations; and (4) providing an expedient measure of writing achievement. (RAE)

The question of what variables affect success in debate has long been an area of interest and concern in the forensic community. For many years, it was thought that traditional performance variables--delivery, reasoning, organization, analysis, refutation and use of evidence--were the key factors influencing evaluations of debaters. Some…

Drawing from research findings, this article identifies five dimensions of teacher evaluation (summative versus formative evaluation, criteria and standards, discernment versus criticism, and arithmetic versus holistic evaluation), then suggests three methods for making holistic judgments about teachers. (Author/JM)

A discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of pragmatic approaches to foreign language testing focuses on why methods emphasizing holistic approaches to language through sensible experience are more effective than bit-by-bit, discrete-point, surface-oriented approaches that tend to neglect meaning. (21 references) (Author/CB)

This paper reviews models of program evaluation. Major topics and issues found in the evaluation literature include quantitative versus qualitative approaches, identification and involvement of stakeholders, formulation of research questions, collection of data, analysis and interpretation of data, reporting of results, evaluation utilization, and…

It is easier to talk about a desire to create a report card for higher education--to evaluate its success--than to actually do it. While some objective data are available, success also depends upon the choice of relevant criteria. This choice and the interpretation of the data vary depending upon the view one brings to the study. Moreover, it is…

Examines the questions: (1) What criteria do raters use when making holistic judgments of brief, impromptu essays? and (2) Do raters judge such essays in the same way they think they do? (FL)

Presents an electronic conversation which critiques holistic scoring procedures. Explores the different ways people in English are taught to read. Offers the idea of minimal holistic scoring in which raters make a specific educational decision rather than supply a number on a rating scale. Asks educators to focus more time on teaching than…

Provides a brief synopsis of whole-language characteristics that could be germane to analyses of basal programs. Presents an assessment tool designed to assist teachers, administrators, and curriculum adoption teams in evaluating the degree to which commercial basal reader programs adhere to whole-language characteristics. (RS)

A critique is presented of naturalistic inquiry as a scholarly activity or as an alternative research paradigm directed toward extending knowledge of physical education curriculum and instruction. Four questions are posed: (1) What is the value perspective of naturalistic inquiry? (2) What are the phenomena of interest? (3) What are the…