Results are provided from a formative evaluation of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) designed for training of foster home certification and licensing staff. The evaluation was undertaken to provide information on issues of feasibility, installation, and implementation of CAI. Project data were obtained from two sources: the first was a review…

This review of the performance appraisal process discusses the major assumptions on which performance appraisal is based, the general goals of performance appraisal, and the characteristics of effective performance appraisal programs. The author stresses the dependence of the process on the assumption that human behavior can be changed; he…

Formative evaluation of instructional materials may not be time efficient or cost effective. Scriven's definition of formative evaluation, used in this paper, applies to the assessment and refinement of instructional materials still under development. Implementation of formative evaluation techniques does not seem to yield significant improvement…

A 10-minute videotape program that reviews library skills was evaluated with 8 fifth and sixth grade classes in the St. Louis area to determine both the effectiveness of the program itself and the method of formative program evaluation. The program used videotaped slides to present program ideas. Questions focused on whether students who viewed…

Formative and summative evaluations of two developmental stages of a television-based multi-media system are reviewed, indicating that a strategy for adult education via mass media should include nationally known personalities and extensive advertising, and that a feedback mechanism encouraging audience participation seems to improve…

Substantial efforts have been made recently to compare the effectiveness of traditional course formats to alternative formats (most often, online delivery compared to traditional on-site delivery). This study examines, not the delivery format but rather the evaluation format. It compares traditional paper and pencil methods for course evaluation…

In 2003, the Faculty of Health & Behavioural Sciences at our university offered a series of postgraduate research seminars. The series of seminars, selected by a three-person faculty team, received a mixed reaction--some seminars attracted a large proportion of the students whereas others were poorly attended. Thus, it was decided to continue…

The author discusses the use of evaluation for purposes of instruction and improvement of learning in the general physical education program. Contrasted with the traditional use of evaluation for grading and classifying students, it is suggested that evaluation be integrated into a cycle of activity involving behavioral objectives, measurement,…

The plan described was developed to evaluate the training and cost-effectiveness of the Automated Instructional Management System (AIMS), a computer-based training and resource development system being developed by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) for possible installation in its schools and training centers. The Functional Description…

Results are presented from the first interim assessment of the School Improvement Project conducted by the Documentation Unit of the Metropolitan Educational Development and Research Project. The primary goal of the project is to assist participating schools in the processes of self-improvement through the establishment of a school-based planning…

Presented is the argument that museums currently have a greater need for formative than for summative evaluation. Areas of formative evaluation that are of primary concern are also discussed. (Author/SA)

In an evaluation study employing a pretest-posttest control group design, 13 elementary schools were paired based on characteristics of their student bodies, faculties, principals, and special programs. One school from each pair was randomly assigned to experimental and control conditions. Third grade teachers in the experimental schools were…

This two-part paper describes the working assumptions approach to early program evaluation and illustrates the approach with a study of a new social science curriculum in American ethnic pluralism for community colleges. Part I begins by providing a rationale for early program evaluation and describing the working assumptions approach as a model…

The formative evaluation carried out indicated that helpful information and suggestions can be procured by a process evaluation developed on an on-going basis and that constructive feedback for possible program changes can be initiated almost from the very first day. Attempts to relate summative evaluation results to program patterns proved to be…

Much attention has been directed toward the measurement of organizational effectiveness. A competing values framework was used in a 2-year longitudinal study of 30 local offices of the Employment Service to develop a methodology for monitoring organizational effectiveness. Data were collected from all staff members and office records. Analysis of…