Two methods of assessing student learning of a hands-on instructional unit are compared. One method involves manipulation of concrete materials, and the other method involves manipulation of icons on a computer to solve an electric circuits problem. Sixth-grade students in an inquiry-based science program completed both assignments. (LZ)

This article reviews ethical and legal issues regarding school-based integration and application of technologies, particularly when used by speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Four issues are addressed: (1) software copyright and licensed use; (2) information access and the right to privacy; (3) computer-assisted or…

Effects of altering test difficulty on examinee ability measures and test length in a computer adaptive test were studied for 225 medical technology students in 3 test difficulty conditions. Results suggest that, with an item pool of sufficient depth and breadth, acceptable targeting to test difficulty is possible. (SLD)

Includes "Introduction" (Hohenshil, Brown); "Overview of Career Assessment Methods and Models" (Hohenshil, Solly); "Career Interest Assessment Techniques" (Levinson, Folino); "Aptitude Testing in Career Assessment" (Capps, Heinlein, Sautter); "Personality Assessment in Career Counseling" (Brown);…

Several developments growing out of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) are reviewed, with a discussion of their extension and application to other projects. These developments include: (1) complex matrix item sampling designs; (2) performance-based items in large-scale assessments; (3) vertical scaling; and (4) innovative…

TORUS, a prototype technology-based educational diagnostic program, is described. The usefulness of TORUS to identify and remediate the mathematics misconceptions of students with learning disabilities is reported. Results suggest the need for greater emphasis on conceptual understanding in mathematics instruction. (Author/DB)

An inductive assessment model for developing individualized instructional programs for special needs students is reviewed, followed by a discussion of how computer programs can help teachers solve logistical and technical problems of inductive assessment models and how expert systems can provide instructional advice. Expert systems for…

Two versions of a criterion-referenced videodisc-based instrument, SHIPS (Self-Help InterPersonal Skills), have been developed for high school students with hearing impairments. Students can choose either American Sign Language or English-based sign versions of assessment items. Field testing found that use of SHIPS enhanced data validity and…

Cognitive psychologists and measurement specialists have identified several methods for assessing students' knowledge structures. Applications of the Concept Structure Analysis Technique and MicroCAM (a computer-aided method) are described. Other research into schema knowledge is noted. These assessment procedures provide information about student…

Reports a study to explore student's computational performance on computer-administered testing situations while at the computer. Students from grades 3-6 (n=100) were randomly assigned to treatment order, computer assessment first or paper/pencil assessment first. Significant differences occurred in three areas: completion time, number of mental…

Describes the introduction of computer-based assessment (CBA) in a first-year module in geographical data analysis, and evaluates student opinion and performance in response to this. Finds that students generally reacted positively and that overall module evaluations improved; student interest and examination performance (based on average test…

Examined attitudes toward taking different formats of oral proficiency assessments across three languages: Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese. Students were administered both the tape-mediated Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI) and a new Computerized Oral Proficiency Instrument (COPI). Questionnaire responses showed examinees, particularly…

This study documents learning and student performance through objective tests with graduate students in Kingston-Jamaica and compares the final exam results with students taking the same course, the same test, with the same instructor at different sites throughout the United States and in the Nassau cluster, Grand Bahamas. The scores are further…

Four groups of second language (L2) learners of English from different language backgrounds (Chinese, Japanese, German, and Greek) and a group of native speaker controls participated in an online reading time experiment with sentences involving long-distance "wh"-dependencies. Although the native speakers showed evidence of making use of…

The measure of performance improvement potential (Gilbert, 1978) in human performance technology uses an exemplary performance as a criterion against which to measure the potential improvement in the performance of a workforce. The measure is calculated based on the performance efficiency which compares expended resources to productivity. The same…