An exploratory study sought reactions from adult students to study materials provided for them in an independent study program. This study is part of an effort to improve instructional materials for distance education by relating the actual study strategies used by students to instructional design components. (EAO)

While a CD-ROM on network topologies was being developed, it was evaluated formatively by 14 office systems teachers and summatively by 23 students using it in class. Improvements in ease of use, performance, and the accuracy and clarity of content were made. (SK)

Describes a project at Bell Laboratories which sought a compromise between ideal formative evaluation procedures and more feasible procedures necessitated by restrictions on time and resources. Local-trial and field-trial stages of a phased approach are discussed, as well as the benefits of field-tests. (EAO)

Interactive videodisc training will only come into its own when its effectiveness for improving performance in the workplace is documented through carefully planned and implemented evaluation activities. This paper suggests a model for thorough, fool-proof evaluation to enter each phase of training course production and the rationale for each…

This report describes the development and effectiveness of a manual created for use in developing state plans for vocational education. The task of developing the manual involved six kinds of activities, including the selection and use of an advisory committee, utilization of a technical review panel, and assessment of the manual. Topics covered…

Comparison of costs and effectiveness of using student data for formative evaluation of instructional materials and of using instructional editing guidelines incorporating attributes of effective instruction indicate greater cost-effectiveness if guidelines are used, with no significant difference in instructional effectiveness. Subjects were 70…

This project's main objective was to field test competency-based vocational education (CBVE) student learning guides developed during 1979-1981 at Ridge Vocational-Technical Center (RVTC) (Florida). The learning guides were for six programs: clerical occupations, cosmetology, heavy duty truck/bus mechanics, industrial electricity, masonry, and…

The research and development (R&D) projects funded by the Florida Division of Vocational Education are intended to have utility for vocational educators in their efforts to improve vocational education programs and practices. This project was conducted to determine why some R&D products are accepted by potential users while others are not…

This paper reports on the development, design, and initial field testing of a narrative simulation, "'This Just Is!' Jeff's Story," that focused on homophobia and adolescent suicide. The initial field test was conducted with two user groups--a graduate class of professionals in the field of higher education student development, and a…

The project described in this report was conducted at Temple University (Pennsylvania) to design a collegial process and the necessary instructional materials to enable the practicing vocational educator to engage in professional development with a commitment to a formative approach. The project attempted to bring inservice vocational teacher…

The Systematic Curriculum and Instructional Development (SCID) model provides a tested procedure for developing high-quality, low-cost competency-based education and tech prep curriculum and instructional materials. It consists of 5 phases--analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation--and 23 components. The analysis phase…

The Workforce Investment Act 1998 (WIA) made major changes in programs for youth from economically disadvantaged families. It mandated program performance indicators. A study examined the new performance indicators and determined whether they were adequate or should be supplemented with involvement of stakeholders concerned about youth programs.…