Discusses evaluation methods applicable to exploratory research areas, provides an overview of qualitative and formative methods for exploratory research on intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) and describes an exploratory study in ITS knowledge acquisition which involved working with three educators to build an ITS for high school physics.…

Seven papers are presented, which are designed to introduce evaluators and other consultants to the complex realities of the changing world of business and industry. Topics include how the practice of evaluation is changing in organizations in transition, and evaluation from the perspective of its role in changing organizations. (SLD)

The Education for First-level Nursing Management Program had 3 6-month cycles, each consisting of 13-day workshops, 3 teleconferences, and telephone coaching. Formative evaluation data were used to improve content and teaching methods. Ongoing evaluation helped adapt content to a mature, experienced audience. (SK)

The paper suggests that the current aptitude-treatment interaction approach to accommodating individual differences in special education has not been proved instructionally useful. Formative evaluation is offered as a promising alternative that addresses individual uniqueness rather than dimensionalized individual differences. (Author/DB)

Documentation and analysis of six university professors' reflective processes in their daily planning, instructing, and evaluation of learners led to design of a metacognitive model and coding scheme that operationalize the process of reflection. Both provide a language for describing reflection, and therefore a way to think about improving…

Uses three case studies from Norwegian industrial modernization programs (a formative evaluation, a summative evaluation, and an additionality analysis) to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of an evaluation tool called "chains of reasoning." Chains of reasoning uses text and a graphic image to present program activities and goals.…

Data on appraisal systems and recent appraisal experiences were collected in a survey of 337 teachers in Hong Kong. The perceived effectiveness is related to both its formative (associated with attitudes to formative purposes of appraisal, procedure, and nature and quality of feedback) and summative outcomes. Formative and summative outcomes are…

Describes the formative evaluation of a prototype, computerized, interactive learning and practice program for university students in theoretical computer science. Found the program to provide a rich learning environment. (EV)

Discusses linear, or systematic, instructional design and development, including a 15-step model. Topics include needs assessment; formative evaluation; performance objectives; instructional materials development; pilot testing; design alternatives that challenge linear instructional design, including constructivism, anchored instruction, and…

Reflections of participants in a psychology of aging course in which students participated in service learning with older adults found that it significantly enhanced the course experience from the perspectives of instructors, graduate teaching assistants, students, and field site staff. (SK)

Presents guidelines for the evaluation of academic advising that can be used in a variety of settings. Illustrates the process by examining advising in an academic support program at a small New England college. Discusses the roles of formative and summative evaluation. (SLD)

Worksites represent an untapped resource for reaching teens with tobacco control messages, given that 80% of teens have held at least one job by the time they graduate from high school. This paper presents formative research findings from a methods development study aimed at designing and testing a tobacco control intervention targeting working…

It is not enough to say merely that formative assessment is a measure of student achievement administered several times during the school year, whereas summative assessment is a measure of student achievement usually administered at the end of the year. That is only part of the answer, the true distinction between the two lies in their respective…

This article describes a step-by-step procedure to differentiate instruction through tiered lessons. (Contains 3 figures.)

Classroom assessment information should be the basis for important classroom processes and outcomes: students' study and work patterns, students' understanding of what they are learning, and teachers' instructional and grading decisions. Attention to principles of assessment quality, especially validity and reliability, increases confidence in the…