Issues that must be addressed in the large-scale application of computerized adaptive testing are explored, including considerations of test design, scoring, test administration, item and item bank development, and other aspects of test construction. Possible solutions and areas in which additional work is needed are identified. (SLD)

This article discusses problems in the psychological processing theory for learning disabilities assessment and describes the development and potential use of an interactive diagnostic system for testing students' processing skills for learning disabilities. (AEF)

Discusses ARIANE, a representative computerized mother tongue test measuring relevant aspects of communication and presenting test candidates with a varied selection of different texts and audio material, followed by different strategies. Outlines how the test's objectives were specified, its database and strategies developed, and how the test was…

Illustrates the advantages of laboratory research into second language acquisition (SLA) by describing two studies of acquisition of second language syntax. The first, conducted in Wales, addresses the question of whether human morphological abilities can be understood in terms of associative processes, and the second presents a bootstrapping…

Efficiency, precision, and concurrent validity of results from adaptive and fixed-item music listening tests were studied using: (1) 2,200 simulated examinees; (2) 204 live examinees; and (3) 172 live examinees. Results support the usefulness of adaptive tests for measuring skills that require aurally produced items. (SLD)

An introduction to a section on e-learning and effective pedagogy notes the explosive growth of instructional technology and the need for guiding principles in its application. It focuses on two areas: the instructional needs and anticipated outcomes for personnel preparation programs in special education and electronic student assessment.…

Reviews the literature on computer use in second language and foreign language learning from 1990 to 2000 inclusive under the categories of potentials of computer technology use in specific areas; software for language skills; software design considerations; computerized language testing; and research findings from studies using quantitative…

The early stages of development of a prototype test of listening comprehension for English-as-a-Second-Language are described, including objective setting, hardware and software considerations for speech storage and generation, general structure, student attitudes in initial field testing, and needed additional research. Proper creation and use of…

C. Davis and M. Cowles (1989) analyzed a total trait anxiety score on the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales (EMAS)--a unidimensional construct that this multidimensional measure does not assess. Data are reanalyzed using the appropriate scoring procedure for the EMAS. Subjects included 145 undergraduates in 1 of 4 testing conditions. (SLD)

Introduces this issue of "The Counseling Psychologist," which considers several contemporary developments and issues in the areas of testing and assessment and their relevance for counseling psychologists. Topics examined by the papers are identified, along with five additional current issues in testing and assessment. (Author/TE)

Ideas are presented for using microcomputers as a tool for curriculum modification with mild to moderate special needs students in various instructional situations. The focus is on the use of microcomputers in modifying the way curriculum content is presented by the teacher, received by the student, practiced and studied, and demonstrated and…

Computerized and paper-and-pencil versions of four standard personality inventories administered to 147 undergraduates were compared for: (1) test-retest reliability; (2) scores; (3) trait anxiety; (4) interaction between method and social desirability; and (5) preferences concerning method of testing. Doubts concerning the efficacy of…

The study assessed effects of computer assisted or noncomputer assisted curriculum-based measurement (CBM) on the instructional planning of 30 special education teachers. After 12-15 weeks, analysis indicated no differences between the CBM groups but compared to a contrast group, CBM teachers used more specific goals and monitored student programs…

Described are some computer software that can be used in chemistry classrooms: (1) "Polymer Tacticity in Simulated NMR Spectra"; (2) "Teaching Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Computer Animation"; (3) "Emergency Response Database"; (4) "An X-ray Diffraction Pattern Simulator"; and (5) "Multiple-Choice…

This article argues for the importance of studying word-recognition strategies in the assessment of dyslexia. The dual-route model is defended despite attacks from supporters of computational models of modern connectionism. A computer-based diagnostic test battery is described and illustrated via 2 case studies of 15-year-old dyslexic boys in…