The Bayesian inferential process is modified for use in an aggregate meta-analytic evaluation. Compared with the average effect size meta-analytic approach, the Bayesian approach was more sensitive, more consistent and more powerful. This approach is recommended when primary data are not available and when all evaluations involve comparisons of…

Problems in conducting program evaluation in third world countries can be divided into four interrelated categories: those associated with design, personnel, time, and budget. Some of the problems in each of these areas are considered and suggestions for dealing with them are presented. (Author)

A utilization-focused approach in evaluating a problem-solving skills training program (see TM 510 179) would have placed more emphasis on identifying evaluation users, their information needs, and likely use of findings. Other methods options are also discussed, along with how to prepare decision makers for utilization. (Author/BW)

The state of evaluation is reviewed and it is suggested that problems lie not only in the political advocacy process through which policy is made, but also in the way evaluators have approached their tasks and presented their results. A project at the University of Wisconsin--Madison is described. (Author/MLW)

Reflecting on his experiences as an evaluation consultant at the Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine in Egypt the author discusses: (1) implications of the Egyptian political context; (2) adapting to the host culture; and (3) maintaining distance from one's own culture. Personal qualities to complement the recommended naturalistic methods…

While policy analysis is currently the most popular research strategy for educational administration, it is more effective when used in conjunction with program evaluation. The relationship between these methods is illustrated by examining alternative research designs for a hypothetical school drug abuse program. (BS)

Reviews eight (seven published) efforts to secure a relative evaluation of accredited North American library schools, and reproduces rankings of each effort. Pros and cons of different evaluative methods are discussed and evaluation results showing consistency in rankings of top five to ten schools are compared. Thirteen references are included.…

One of the reasons that social studies has developed slowly in the K-12 schools of Nigeria is that both teachers and examiners doubt that adequate evaluation devices can be employed to fairly assess learning outcomes. Some social studies evaluation tools are defined, and possible ways for teachers to use them are discussed. (RM)

The article cites the need for quality evaluation of the effects of early intervention programs for handicapped students and outlines a meta-analysis approach to examine issues of efficacy and cost effectiveness. Proposed plans for collecting and analyzing cost effectiveness data are detailed. (CL)

Described is a program for training M.A.-level evaluation researchers within an academic department. The topics covered are devising the curriculum, recruiting students, conducting internships, involving the community, and evaluating the program. (Author/RM)

Threshold analysis (TA) is introduced as an evaluation model. TA converts unknown variables into questions as to whether a given benefit, cost, or success probability is more or less than a threshold, above which the proposed project would be profitable, and below which it would be unprofitable. (Author/PN)

Among the questions that are asked are the following: who will assess Black Studies at white universities; how will the assessment and evaluation be handled; and what criteria for assessment will be used. (Author/AM)

Independent study is addressed as a creative and alternative mode of learning. Its unique advantages and strengths are examined along with its planning and structure, the student/instructor interaction, the use of learning resources, examples of disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, the products of such study, and methods of evaluation.…

The problems of evaluating educational programs for the gifted outlined here are: dealing with "higher level" objectives, the development of appropriate measurement devices, and the availability of time, money, and personnel. The Key Features Evaluation System, in four steps, is described. (BW)

Describes how the Dallas Independent School District uses the research and development concept of context evaluation to help direct changes in instructional systems, materials, and methodology. (Author/JG)