The use of cooperative education as a technique for increasing both test performance and interest in a course of introductory statistics was studied. The hypothesis was that students in voluntary groups would perform better than students in assigned groups and that group learning would be more effective than individual learning. (MLW)

The use of qualitative evaluation methods is explored as a means of overcoming constraints and complexities of evaluation of development programs. A case study demonstrating the application of qualitative analysis to monitoring and evaluation of the Basic Minimum Needs program in Thailand is presented. (SLD)

This article describes the on-going evaluation of a pilot program characterized by: (1) cooperation between program managers and evaluators; (2) first-hand knowledge about the implementation of the pilot; and (3) a focus on summative and formative evaluations. Evaluators participated actively in the design of the pilot. (Author/SLD)

Twelve articles discuss the advantages of theory-driven evaluation for: (1) identifying crucial issues; (2) integrating program implementation into evaluation; (3) diagnosing problems in program studies; (4) diagnosing problems in program structures; and (5) enhancing evaluation utilization. Topics include optimizing validity in program and…

Describes a process model that can be used for performance technology and discusses differences between it and an instructional technology process model. Five basic steps are examined: needs assessment/analysis; design; development; implementation; and evaluation. An instructional technology/performance technology process comparison matrix is also…

In the evaluation of a treatment program for veterans of the Lebanon War suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, repeated administration of self-report instruments revealed no improvement in symptoms and social functioning. These findings conflicted with the positive evaluations of the program by participants (N=41) and therapists. (SLD)

Described is a rationale and process that can be used for the evaluation of environmental education programs. Expectations, planning, results, and using results are all discussed as steps in the evaluation process. (CW)

Identifies a series of questions asked by language program personnel in the early stages of planning an evaluation of a language program. Answers to the questions offer working definitions of language programs and components, audience, evaluation purposes and priorities, evaluators and their roles, internal and external evaluation, and evaluation…

Clear and comprehensive criteria for developing and evaluating gifted programs are needed. These criteria would define selection of program students and program characteristics. Programs should involve all potentially able students and should be innovative, intellectually stimulating, comprehensive, enthusiastic, and divergent. (MSE)

Suggestions for enhancing use of evaluation studies (i.e., state-level mental health programs) are presented. Steps for maximizing evaluation utilization include marketing, planning, and conducting the evaluation; developing/focusing policy questions; translating findings; and making people pay attention to the results. These are processes for…

The history of evaluation utilization in policy making and political features of program evaluation are discussed. A five-part continuum describes the evaluation process. Evaluation practice modifications contribute to real growth in evaluation use in congressional policy making as evaluation research improves the quality of information available…

Contingent valuation (CV) is used to obtain more complete estimates of the economic value of benefits of preschool education for handicapped children. A general approach for use of CV in cost-benefit analysis of educational programs and use of the CV interview with 80 parents of handicapped preschoolers are described. (SLD)

The article examines benefits and methods of evaluating short inservice training courses in special educational needs through a description of Project Impact, a British government funded project. A vignette of changed practice by two teachers as a result of a short counseling course is offered. (DB)

Performance measures are discussed for assessing organizational effectiveness in nonprofit organizations including institutions of higher education. With hundreds of possible measures, ratios, and data available, the nonprofit manager must select measures that portray the institution's condition and performance. A process and rationale for…

Evaluation of decisions incorporating public involvement is an area where views might differ according to the role of the stakeholder. Six general criteria for adequate evaluation of public involvement programs are presented in the context of a case study. (SLD)