This paper reports an investigation of assessing students' information literacy (IL) in a naturalistic classroom environment by using a set of rubrics. A total of 72 lessons from 15 classrooms in Hong Kong were examined. Results indicate that the rubric is generally valid and usable in assessing students' IL skills but three more attributes which…

Data-mined models often achieve good predictive power, but sometimes at the cost of interpretability. We investigate here if selecting features to increase a model's construct validity and interpretability also can improve the model's ability to predict the desired constructs. We do this by taking existing models and reducing the feature set to…

Excessive college course withdrawals are costly to the student and the institution in terms of time to degree completion, available classroom space, and other resources. Although generally well quantified, detailed analysis of the reasons given by students for course withdrawal is less common. To address this, a text mining analysis was performed…

The European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) realises that there is a steadily growing interest among students and all stakeholders of Higher Education and the public at large in accessing detailed and reliable information on the quality of individual study programmes, faculties and higher education institutions. ENQA…

This case study provides an illustration of the heuristic practices of a high-performing research department, which in turn, will help build much needed models applicable in the context of large urban districts. This case study examines the accountability, planning, evaluation, testing, and research functions of a research department in a large…

Designed for child caregivers, this guide to research on infants and toddlers offers references to works that provide reasons for high quality care and increase caregivers' understanding of ways to facilitate the optimal development of babies. Citations concern abuse, attachment, caregiver role, child care effects, child care quality, child…

A diagnostic evaluation for a person with suspected Alzheimer's disease is usually initiated by family members whose concerns go beyond strictly medical issues. To determine precisely what questions families want answered, a 15-point questionnaire was developed at a multi-disciplinary geriatric assessment clinic. Caregivers were asked to rate each…

The unresolved aspects of access that were handled in the "Report of the Commissioner of Education's Committee on Library Development, 1970" and the "Report of the Commissioner of Education's Committee on Direct Access, 1974" are discussed. Travel distance to libraries providing reference and referral, interlibrary loan, and…

The adequacy of current systems for preparation and training of early childhood teachers is considered. Although primary information sources provide no comprehensive data about early childhood teacher preparation programs, some features are known. A training profile of the work force was developed from data from the National Child Care Staffing…

Two utilization and implementation frameworks (known as Knowledge Production Utilization (KPU) frameworks) are related to the planning and reporting aspects of an evaluation: the Dissemination Analysis Group (DAG) model and; the Halland Loucks' Level of Use Scale (LoU). This comparison is set against a background wherein literature is reviewed to…

This examination of the role of information in society discusses information (certain form of knowledge that exists when this knowledge is alienated from its carrier) and knowledge, creating the information environment, the economic effects of information, and who should have access to information. (EJS)

This paper introduces the contemporary research on information behaviors and applies it to educational research activities. Information behaviors are defined as the processes by which information users formulate their information needs, seek and observe sources, evaluate the sources, and then act upon the information. It is suggested that because…

An examination of case studies suggests that rational processes were not entirely at work in the planning and conception of new, innovative schools. The rational model that serves as the foundation of our information systems assumes that a compelling professional need triggers a search for solutions; and, therefore, school personnel are eager to…

Illustrates how hypertext and multimedia can be applied in museums to facilitate humanities research. A model of a museum professional's information needs is presented, the Open System Environment (OSE) is explained as a conceptual framework for user requirements, and the COIN (Catalogued Objects and Information for Numismatists) hypertext system…

A study examined the types and amounts of information expectant mothers need during their pregnancy, as well as their satisfaction with their physicians. Seventy women who had given birth within the previous 4 years completed a questionnaire eliciting information they received during pregnancy, their satisfaction with their physician, and…