Three types of macro-level variables for program analysis--cultural, economic and demographic--provide a context for evaluation and offer alternative explanations for program success or failure. The problems of causality and availability of data, as well as the usefulness of macro variables in meta evaluation are discussed. (Author/CM)

Describes a program for training people to apply generic problem-solving techniques to personal problems. Male student volunteers (N=64) were assigned to a training group or no-training control group. The training group achieved a higher standard in their bachelor's degrees and developed an increased belief in internal control. (Author/JAC)

Over 50 major computer assisted instruction (CAI) projects are reviewed in terms of their theoretical and practical significance to education. Projects are analyzed in terms of eight categories: development of prototypes, conceptual demonstrations, major implementations/evaluations, dissemination, authoring languages/systems, intelligent CAI,…

The theme of this issue is the importance of quality in supervised occupational experience (SOE) programs. Contributors discuss planning, principles, the use of SOE as an instructional tool, alternative approaches to SOE, standards, and placement programs. (JOW)

Determined the effectiveness of a voluntary educational program on the drinking attitudes and behaviors of college students (N=1,000). Survey results revealed that for those subjects who participated in the program, there was a significant improvement in their drinking attitudes and behaviors. (Author/RC)

Tested the efficacy of several programs using feedback about carbon monoxide as strategies for deterring experimentation with cigarettes in sixth-grade children (N=405). Compared to no-treatment controls, the only program to reduce experimentation with cigarettes was the information-only program. Several programs had increases in rates of…

Describes three techniques for evaluating educational media: questionnaires, continuous reaction measures, and focus group interviews. Purposes of media evaluation are identified as finding out audience reaction and developing effective methods to use media in teaching. (Author/JJD)

Describes goal/objectives, course content/materials, context/users/beneficiaries, and transferability of the Maine Studies Curriculum, a state-validated demonstration project taught as part of the regular school curriculum. Also describes project evaluation (pilot testing, interpretability of measures, credibility of evidence, evidence of impact…

Students participating in tutorial programs--both as tutors and tutees--show greater cognitive and attitudinal gains than do students who are not involved in such programs. However the common belief that tutorial programs greatly enhance participants' self-esteem appears to be groundless. (Author/JM)

Examines the success of (N=13) premarital counseling programs. Reviews programs which outlined standardized intervention procedures and utilized dependent measures to assess the program's effectiveness. Premarital counseling programs were generally found to be atheoretical in their approach to intervention, loosely designed, and nonspecific as to…

Describes the design and application of the Student Affairs Program Evaluation Process at the University of Nebraska. An evaluation team including students and faculty was set up to study counseling, recreation and orientation programs. Weaknesses and strengths of the process were discussed and suggestions made for appropriate followup activities.…

The authors highlight some of the findings of their forthcoming book, "Open Plan Schools: Teaching, Curriculum, and Design," which will evaluate open plan schools in England. These schools now comprise over 10 percent of all primary schools. (KC)

A learning strategy system and a set of training procedures to facilitate the communication of this system to college-age students were developed. Students receiving this training exhibited significantly greater positive precourse-postcourse changes on comprehension/retention and self-report measures than did students in the control groups.…