Begins by discussing what interactive multimedia (IMM) is, why it is used, and how it should be evaluated. A pragmatic approach to evaluation is advocated, and a framework for formative evaluation is proposed, which focuses on formative experimentation. The educational goals of IMM technology and methods of formative experimentation are detailed.…

This article looks at the limits of traditional assessment techniques and argues for dynamic assessment of students with disabilities. The critical features of five models of dynamic assessment are described. The limitations of dynamic assessment are considered, and guidelines are offered to further the use of this approach. (Author/DB)

Used Comprehensive Process Analysis to analyze six client-identified significant insight events in two treatments. Psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy event documented existence of two-part significant events and value of key words. Cognitive-behavioral therapy event illustrated role of context in transforming small therapy events into significant…

Annual summative evaluation rarely brings about professional growth or change; ongoing formative evaluation that allows for corrections and encourages development of new skills and talents is more effective. Data alone are not enough. Principals' needs must be linked to the resources of people, materials, funds, and enriched staff development…

Describes four perspectives that shape critically reflective practice: (1) one's autobiography as a learner; (2) learners' eyes; (3) colleagues' experiences; and (4) theoretical literature. Presents a critical incidents questionnaire, a structured way to reflect on and examine core assumptions in practice. (SK)

Explains the results of research on formative assessment which focuses on improving student learning. Presents a model for a targeted learning model and lists the components of the model. (YDS)

At the request of a professor, a university center for teaching and learning conducted formative evaluations of an undergraduate course. The evaluation process included two stages: a mid-term formative evaluation with feedback and suggested changes and an end-of-term final evaluation and review. This case study discusses the evaluations and the…

An Internet career fair for Australian college students was developed economically with a minimalist design presenting as much useful information as possible. Twenty major employers attracted 61,000 hits, a high proportion from external students. (SK)

Describes new developments in formative assessment and challenges for the educational community. Asserts that many current assessment practices that serve certification and prediction functions well are not well suited for improving learning. Calls for alternative approaches to assessment, rooted in cognitive theories of knowledge and learning,…

This paper reports the evaluation of a unique three-year program designed to support teachers new to a school district. The emphasis of the evaluation process was on the participation of the stakeholders in the evaluation process and the development of their abilities in evaluation. There is educational significance to this study on two levels.…

Research shows that technology makes a difference in student motivation, engagement, and active learning. It also helps students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Providing each student with his or her own computing device such as a Palm handheld computer and appropriate software can have a great impact. This…

This study utilised a qualitative research methodology known as formative research to improve the process guidelines that are described in the Guidance System for Transforming Education (GSTE). This study took place in a small (5447 students), partly urban and partly rural school district in Indiana. The researchers, also serving as change…

Research shows that formative assessment can exert a powerful effect on student learning, yet the complexity of formative assessment is not well understood and some curricular structures and practices do not fully exploit its potential. This article outlines the background to the political promotion of employability and shows that institutional…

Part one of this article described the first two stages that schools move through as they learn to link data to higher student achievement. In stage one, schools make initial efforts to contextualize the many data sources available, but their data analysis is mostly for its own sake. In stage two--using data to improve educational efficiency--the…

This paper describes a novel science education initiative developed for 8-to 12-year-old children by the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute at Dublin City University, Ireland. "Me and My Body" (MAMBO) is an interactive, multi-faceted programme that enables children to explore and understand the dynamic physiological parameters of the human…