Tells leaders how to design debriefing and processing sessions that allow outdoor education participants to integrate learning and achieve closure to experiences by setting aside time to reflect; asking proper questions; planning appropriate reflective activities; assessing collective and individual needs of group; and balancing variety,…

Strategies for use by clients who commission evaluation studies in the private, university, or governmental sector are outlined. Topics covered include establishing the purpose of the evaluation, assembling in-house management staff, specifying work and expertise requirements, establishing confidentiality and project control, and managing results.…

A literature search and polling of experts in severe disabilities generated a listing of 123 items representing Program Quality Indicators. Items were then rated by six groups (total N=254) representing such interests as behavior therapy, deaf blindness, mental retardation, state directors of special education, and parents. (Author/DB)

The author describes how the best training functions operate and what is responsible for their substantial contribution to their organizations. He discusses awareness of the mission, goals, and needs of the organization; line management commitment; emphasis on practicality; using multiple sources; consistent delivery; and evaluation of results.…

The authors present information on how to design and deliver career workshops and seminars. They follow a model that features (1) needs assessment, (2) program planning, (3) program implementation, and (4) program evaluation. (CH)

Compared the questionnaire responses of faculty and students from university and institute, American Association for Marital and Family Therapy, accredited and non-accredited family therapy training programs. Preferred type of training program, criteria for program selection, expected student experiences, program policies and interprogram…

The didactical material developed for the course Initiation to Technology at Laval University was tested by four teachers at Les Etchemins School with a group of 500 students in the area of mechanics. Software was developed to analyze the results, which proved encouraging. (Author/CH)

Describes a field test conducted by the North Carolina Office of Day Care Services to examine the relative merits of telecommunications and traditional training in a realistic setting. Compares costs, time needed for training, and trainees' attitudes. Also discusses location of teleconference centers, content development, frequency of delivery,…

Three perspectives on combining quantitative and qualitative methods in one evaluation are reviewed: mutually exclusive; separate but equal; and integrated. Ways to corroborate, elaborate, or initiate findings from the other method are illustrated, using a large-scale, three-year evaluation of regional educational service agencies. (Author/GDC)

There are numerous micro-level methods decisions associated with planning an impact evaluation. Quantitative synthesis methods can be used to construct an actuarial data base for establishing the likelihood of achieving desired sample sizes, statistical power, and measurement characteristics. (Author/BS)

An evaluation program for fourth-year electives at Wright State University School of Medicine is described. Although individual electives were assessed, the evaluation program allows generalizations across electives by identifying strengths and weaknesses commonly found in the electives that were evaluated. (MLW)

Research findings are presented as potentially important program issues, and descriptions of how these issues were transformed into modules for a career-shift/job-search program are given. Preliminary data from the evaluation of this career-shift/job-search program are shown and the resemblances between this experimental, research-based program…

Research evaluations should be directed at affecting the implementation of policies resulting from research, not at monitoring the outcomes of research, particularly in strategic research relating to government and industry. (MSE)

Describes how Hughes Aircraft trainers followed four steps in meeting the challenges of a flexible manufacturing environment: needs assessment, design strategy, pilot evaluation, and follow-through. Within this environment, 50 self-paced training products were developed for one of the company's wire and back plane harness assembly departments. (CT)