Suggests using simulated data to teach students about the nature and use of statistical tests and measures. Observes that simulated data contains built-in pure relationships with no poor response rates or coding or sampling errors. Recommends suitable software. Includes information on using data sets, demonstrating statistical principles, and…

Reviews the literature on qualitative methods in information retrieval research. Qualitative research is shown to be noncontrolling, holistic and case oriented, about processes, open and flexible, diverse in methods, humanistic, inductive, and scientific. Relevance to library and information science and sources of information on qualitative…

Describes an investigation of tools, techniques, and methods for the evaluation of interactive library catalogs, with emphasis on diagnostic methods and on use of the catalog in the wider context of user information-seeking behavior. A front-end system (Olive) developed to test various enhancements of traditional transaction lodging as a…

Process indicators (PIs) of school functioning and their place within the educational indicators systems are discussed. Literature is reviewed as a basis for selection of PIs for an integral model of school effectiveness. Although it is difficult to collect data on PIs, they provide valuable information on system functioning. (SLD)

Discusses a study conducted by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) which examined the federally funded research system and the role of data for decision making in research policy. Highlights include data needs; research expenditures and personnel; the research process; measuring the outcomes of research; and the research evaluation process.…

Student satisfaction with 8 methods of collecting college student evaluations of instruction was studied by asking students in 32 classes (ranging from 20 to 110 students) to rate the methods. Students prefer interview methods at midterm followed by instructor reaction to traditional approaches such as standardized end-of-course rating forms. (SLD)

Describes an integrated thematic unit for children from kindergarten to third grade. Explains that the unit incorporates reading, speaking, writing, science, mathematics, social studies, and art into the study of whales. Suggests learning activities on echolocation, migration, measurement, scrimshaw, history, and human interaction with the…

Describes a take-home experiment in which students measure the diffusion of acid through acid-filled capillary tubes immersed into base solutions and vice versa. Students represent and analyze the effects of ambient temperature, molecular weight, and concentrations of the solutions on that movement. (MDH)

Former dean reflects on experiences as dean at a college of education, noting dilemmas colleges face in creating a mission. The article discusses central activities for deans: educating faculty and administrators, compiling data, building development funds, and hiring faculty. It also addresses problems and prospects for deans in the 1990s. (SM)

Describes a program of supervision built around the goal of preparing reflective teachers. Additionally, the article presents results of a case study research project that reveals both success and failure at reaching this goal. Also, the authors discuss model reflectivity from their own teacher education practice. (GLR)

Explains the need for meaningful performance measures in libraries and the Total Quality Management (TQM) approach to data collection. Five tools representing different stages of a TQM inquiry are covered (i.e., the Shewhart Cycle, flowcharts, cause-and-effect diagrams, Pareto charts, and control charts), and benchmarking is addressed. (Contains…

Examines the need for and uses of statistical data about school library media centers; describes data currently collected by the states; discusses national data collection efforts, including an increasing emphasis on output measures; recommends further actions that should be taken; and suggests future possibilities. (six references) (LRW)

Compares the exercise attitudes, knowledge, and habits of 1,833 alumni from 4 colleges, 3 of which had varying degrees of required conceptually based physical education. Results indicate that physical education programs with a required concepts of physical activity course appear to affect alumni values and attitudes about exercise. (GLR)

Discusses business training programs and the productivity of training materials, and presents a case study that describes the experiences of a university-based electronic curriculum development group that was involved with the conversion of an existing text curriculum to a multimedia CD-ROM format. Data collection with videotaped interviews is…

Using classroom-based instruction and on-the-job monitoring and feedback, seven teachers were trained to systematically observe the data collection and teaching performances of their assistants as well as to provide contingent feedback. The supervisory training for teachers was accompanied by improvement in data collection among seven of eight…