The components of a system for practical skills assessment or trade testing is discussed. The system, called Progressive Assessment Testing (PAT), is used in the normal workshop situation and enables the employer to identify and correct weaknesses in performance at the appropriate point in the training process. (Author/EC)

An experiment to assess the value of a shadowgraph simulator for driver training is described. Two groups of 36 pupils with no previous driving experience, and matched for age and sex, were taught to drive up to the standard of the DOE driving test. The pupils in one of the groups received their first three hours instruction on a shadowgraph…

Problems arising from the attempt to integrate theory and practice are discussed. A method of integration and assessment with implications for curriculum design and the planning of practical experience is outlined, and suggestions are offered for developing guidelines for supervisory discussion and standardized evaluation criteria. (Author/LBH)

Contains three articles designed to help practitioners with practical assessment for the GCSE. Articles include: "GCSE Biology Practical Assessment--Can the End Justify the Means?"; "Investigating the Effect of Catalase: GCSE Assessment Practical"; and "An Experimental Design for GCSE Physics." (CW)

Investigated are the context dependency and construct validity of practical skill assessment in science which may include the skills of observing, manipulating, planning, interpreting, reporting, and self-reliance. Pupil performance on a variety of practical tasks were compared with external examination grades in biology and chemistry. (CW)

Explores the antecedents to the growing interest in the use of educational performance indicators. Discusses this issue in relation to the work of economist F. W. Taylor and evaluator Ralph Tyler. Describes a five-year project that demonstrates the promise of teacher-developed performance indicators. (CFR)