A meta-analysis of 29 separate studies investigating pretest effects was conducted. Outcomes of the studies (achievement gains or attitude improvements) were computed as standardized differences between pretested and non-pretested groups. Eleven other variables were coded for each outcome. Initial descriptive statistics were indicative of…

The Starkweather Originality Test is designed to measure the creative potential of children ranging in age from 3 years, 6 months to 6 years, 6 months. Children younger than 3 years, 6 months can be given the Originality Test if their ability to communicate verbally is satisfactorily demonstrated during the pretest. The test is individually…

The report describes the development of a project which produced an integrated set of materials on formative evaluation that are appropriate for use in graduate training, research and development settings, and public school personnel use. The objectives of the project were: (1) to identify relevant data sources for formative evaluation and to…

This paper presents guidelines for valid and effective test preparation and presentation. Working on the assumption that teacher secrecy about tests and the subsequent student test-fear are pointless and harmful, this paper outlines some tools for test preparation, such as pretests, teacher file cards as to items covered in class and clearly…

Evaluation instruments to assess existing attitudes and interests concerning the environment are compiled. Baseline data will be gathered from teachers, administrators, parents, and community members through a set of four pretests administered prior to initiation of the Interlakes Environmental and Outdoor Education Project. All instruments serve…

Two types of educational programs for young children were examined, the formal based on Ausebel's learning theory and the open-framework based on Piaget's theory of intellectual development. The formal program resulted in improved performance on both classification and conservation tasks. (MF)

Typewriting skill achievement pre- and posttests were given to senior high school students in three capstone office education courses: cooperative office education, model office, and office procedures. As findings showed achievement not differing on six of eight measures, it was recommended that schools offer a choice of capstone experiences. (MF)

The authors suggest that there may be a phenomenon of posttest sensitization which could affect the generalizability of experimental results in the way that pretest sensitization does. A quasi-experimental design is proposed to test for such a phenomenon. (JKS)

The study focused on the effect of the self-evaluation component of self-instructional packets in radiologic technology programs. It was found that the self-evaluation component clearly had a significant positive effect on learning, although the relative learning contribution of the component was not established. (MF)

The effect of three peer monitoring and retest conditions on student quiz scores, attitudes, study time, final course grades, and independent pretest-posttest scores was studied. The three conditions involved learning partners, unlimited number of retests, and a combination of learning partners and retests. Results indicate that some behavioral…

Support for the validity of the equipercentile assumption is presented in contrast with the conclusion of Powers, Slaughter, and Helmick (EJ 289 091). Observed "gains" from pre- to posttests are better attributed to stakeholder bias, posttests that match curriculum content too closely, or a combination of these factors. (Author/DWH)

The effectiveness of two workshops provided for teachers and aides in a day care center was studied. Training was effective in increasing caregiver verbal involvement with children during play, but was less effective in reducing the number of verbal directives delivered by caregivers to children. (PCB)

The present study examined the effect of three modes of feedback on the seriousness of error types committed on a post-test. The effect of the feedback made on post-test errors was found to be differential and dependent upon the seriousness of errors committed on the pre-test. (Author/LMO)

Shows how qualitative evaluation may be used to analyze outcomes and describe elements of an outdoor experience that made it valuable to women participants. Reports 22 participants in 5-day Womens' Week Program sponsored by Madison (Wisconsin) Girl Scout Council met needs for self-understanding, personal growth, and recreation. (NEC)

Discusses how a pre/post adventure evaluation form, developed together by participants and instructors, can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. (NEC)