Discusses values ascribed to performance assessment and recent criticisms of assessment and suggests model-based performance assessment for remedying and avoiding these criticisms. The paper explains the merits of a systematic approach to developing performance assessments and rubrics based on general models across ages and subject areas for…

Claims that the importance of gaining information literacy skills is in the use of information rather than the finding of information but that many students undertaking research projects do not understand this. Describes a research process model developed for use in a classroom setting and gives a sample lesson using its steps: presearch, search,…

Assesses the appropriateness of GUIs (graphical user interfaces), more specifically Windows-based interfaces for CD-ROM. An evaluation model is described that was developed to carry out an expert evaluation of the interfaces of seven CD-ROM products. Results are discussed in light of HCI (human-computer interaction) usability criteria and design…

This eight chapters of this special issue introduce the use of a template to specify program components as a new tool for program evaluation. The template articulates the components needed for program delivery and provides a systematic method for assessing program implementation. (SLD)

Examines the two rules of intonation most commonly found in English language teaching textbooks: those concerning intonation in lists and intonation in questions. The article suggests that teachers and materials writers must provide learners with descriptions of intonation allowing them to understand the communicative significance of intonation…

The second of two articles on play reviews the construct of play and its development in typically developing infants, toddlers, and young children. It considers developmental levels of play from early sensorimotor-exploratory to symbolic play involving the functional components of agent, instrument, and scheme. A developmentally based,…

Discusses instructional delivery models and their physiology in distributed learning systems. Highlights include building delivery models; types of delivery models, including distributed classroom, self-training on the Web, online training, communities of practice, and performance support systems; and actors (users) involved, including experts,…

Discusses the issue of online teaching and presents a change model, the Personal Response Model, that focuses on the adoption of online teaching by experienced faculty in higher education. Topics include diffusion of innovations and types of adopters; experiences with instructional development, including emotional response to innovation; and…

Describes a DNA model constructed with Legos, which allows students to work cooperatively. (YDS)

Describes a project for building a neighborhood model by a group of primary students. Integrates science, mathematics, and social studies. (KHR)

Describes how multimedia software (COMPEL PE) is used in a core mathematics course in the mechanical and production engineering curriculum at Nanyang Technical University (Singapore) to help students better understand various characteristics of conformal mappings. Describes the ASSURE model used to guide the production of slides for presentation…

Confirmative evaluation of instructional materials and learners follows some time after formative and summative evaluation; it determines if materials still meet the original objectives and if learners have maintained their level of competence. Discusses the importance of confirmative evaluation and presents a confirmative evaluation model,…

Analyzes suicide in terms of a dynamic model of changes in suicidal tendencies over time. Suggests that minor fluctuations may incite rapid development toward suicide or inhabit suicidality. Notes that this method of analysis and developmental modeling is applicable to other phenomena involving development in complex human behaviors in an open…

Discusses Mishara's use of phrase space analysis to chart the developmental dynamics of suicide. Contends that developmentalists should concern themselves with mental ontology, especially epistemic questions, in order to advance understanding of the development of the human mind. Considers the affinity of interactivism with a dynamic systems…

Explores ways that colleges and universities can become learning communities in all of their dimensions. Discusses the five disciplines of the learning organization (personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systems thinking) and ways to adhere to these disciplines. Describes leadership roles and the importance of vision.…