Six scoring methods for assigning weights to right or wrong responses according to various instructions given to test takers are analyzed with respect to expected change scores and the effect of various levels of information and misinformation. Three of the methods provide feedback to the test taker. (Author/CTM)

The results of a two-year study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a new set of degree requirements, including a qualifying project and a competency examination. (BB)

Explains a flexible two-part grading scheme which attempts to mix the best of both the descriptive and analytical treatments of an introductory astronomy course, to allow for differences in the academic backgrounds of the students. (GA)

A discussion of the Curriculum Revision and Instruction in Mathematics at the Elementary Level (CRIMEL) Program is followed by a report on a related experiment to determine the effect of retesting on learning. (MP)

The use of different colored quizzes for different skill levels is suggested as an aid for motivation in a mastery learning setting. (MP)

The author discusses reasons for the recent changes in A level examining in economics. He points out advantages and disadvantages of the types of questions now being used and indicates implications of these changes for the classroom teaching of economics. For availability, see SO 505 564. (Author/AV)

Comparison of 24 elementary school-age children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 20 children with attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity (ADD/noH) on a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment found math achievement test scores for students with ADD/noH were significantly lower than those for students with…

Details the development of a new objective self-report instrument--the Internalizing Symptoms Scale for Children (ISSC)--for assessing the broad domain of internalizing symptomatology in children. Discusses results of a factor analysis and describes potential uses of the ISSC. Implications for future assessment in child psychopathology are…

A study examined a paper-based method of testing in a clinical biochemistry course, part of a new modular, systems-oriented medical curriculum at the University of Otago (New Zealand). The method of assessment was found easy to administer, and students valued the quizzes as a stimulus to study and as feedback. (Author/MSE)

Explores the ability to construct a theory of writing assessment based on an understanding of the nature of language, written communication, and its teaching. Looks at current practices at universities that have been using assessment procedures that are site-based, practical, and have been developed and controlled locally. (TB)

Outlines critical weaknesses of many assessment procedures. Argues that, to be meaningful, the act of assessment must in some way enhance the learning process. Discusses establishing purpose for assessment and selecting criteria. Outlines alternative assessment techniques. (SR)

Presents evidence that although patients with semantic deficits can sometimes show good performance on tests or object decisions, this pattern applies when nonsee-objects do not respect the regularities of the domain. Patients with semantic dementia viewed line drawings of a real and chimeric animals side-by-side and were asked to decide which was…

Contrasts lay and "professional" metalinguistic knowledge from the viewpoint that linguistic issues concern all speakers of language. The article maintains that linguists firmly believe in a major difference between lay and theoretical metadiscursive remarks because linguists persist in believing in the objectivity of linguistic facts.…

Describes a collection of systematic theory-based analyses of a system prototype that inherited its control mechanisms from preexisting systems. Demonstrates that collective use of system and user modeling techniques provides insight into a complex design problem, enabling the examination of design decisions for users and implementation. Discusses…

Describes the development of a test designed to allow meaningful and widespread computerized testing of various spatial factors. Examines the differences between traditional paper and pencil and computerized versions of the same test. Compares an interactive test designed to measure a working memory factor to the computerized version of…