Presents a case study designed to help intermediate and advanced students or trainees to adapt traditional instructional design procedures to "real-world" training situations. Scenarios involving a video production company and interactive video are described; and learning outcomes are discussed, including conducting a needs assessment,…

An approach for involving beneficiaries in specifying program attributes for evaluators to address is discussed. Methods are outlined for sharing influence among program decision makers and beneficiaries. Application of this approach in the evaluation of a problem-based medical school curriculum is described, with evidence on the enhancement of…

Classroom research addresses the why and how of learning, encouraging teachers to use their classrooms as laboratories for the study of learning. At its best it involves students as collaborators rather than as subjects. Classroom research has the potential for creating teaching and learning communities with the shared goal of understanding…

Winthrop University (South Carolina) has linked classroom research with program accountability in its Learning Research Project, which focuses on general education. The pilot and implementation phases of the project are described, noting problems, frustrations, and rewards in each. The experiment has convinced administration and faculty that…

A study investigated the effect of classroom assessment techniques (CATs) on both content and process of college students' learning. Instructors ask students to provide regular, anonymous feedback about their understanding of course material and the effectiveness of class structure. Comments of students in biology, business management, political…

This case study illustrates the contributions of continuous data monitoring to clinical decision making in the treatment of an adolescent with severe conduct problems. Use of a comprehensive point system that required monitoring and graphing and frequent review provided the client and parents with visual feedback of progress. An additional…

Responds to the debate on how evaluation processes can reward individual differences, and at the same time ensure quality-control across the board. A review is provided of types of evaluation and suggestions are offered for the development of successful, institutionally appropriate evaluation plans. (Author/VWL)

Explores the nature of formative assessment in a primary language learning context. The research is from nine inner city schools where an early years intervention project is being carried out to address problems of low levels of achievement in English, with specific reference to the language support of learners for whom English is an additional…

Studied attitudes of college faculty toward methods of formative evaluation of peers. Most of the faculty members participating, ranging from 10 to 82 at colleges in Iowa indicated that they would take part in classroom observation, videotaping, evaluation of course materials, and assessment of evaluation of the work of students as peer evaluation…

Examines the types of student learning outcomes that are useful in assessment for the purposes of accreditation. After identifying learning goals in the cognitive, behavioral, and affective domains, departments and programs should consider formative and summative assessment, the advantages of qualitative and quantitative data, and whether to…

Drawing on experience in the United States and United Kingdom, two educators discuss the practice of quality assessment in higher education. Distinguishing between formative and summative assessment, they identify characteristics that support quality learning, observing that practice falls short of these ideals and noting that it is risky for…

Introduces the process of developing an outcomes-assessment plan. Includes citations to functioning assessment plans. Explores testing, portfolios, capstone experiences, questionnaires, interviews, job placement, and classroom assessment. (DDR)

Reports on the design and formative assessment of a synchronous distance education demonstration project designed to bring experts to participants at their work locations through Internet technologies. Following evaluation results, a more robust model was designed to increase interactivity before, during, and after the live-broadcast training…

Developed and performed a formative evaluation of a computer assisted tutoring program to help students experiencing problems learning to read. Initial findings with 12 tutors and 25 first and second graders provide support for developing a program designed with "just in time" support for tutors and interactive activities for tutees based on…

This article reports on the findings of a formative evaluation of an online competency-based child welfare practice course, paying particular attention to the instructional design principles and features required to promote the learning and enhancement of skill sets for reflective anti-oppressive social work practice. The article begins by…