Discusses problems with formative evaluation of educational materials and examines the slope test when used in a pretest/posttest multiple group (PPMG) design to adjust posttest scores treatment interaction studies. An example is given of the utility of the slope test and analysis of covariance procedure using an educational film about AIDS. (five…

A review of the development and innovation of testing at the higher education level focuses on Ralph Tyler's testing emphasis on the educational process and the objectives of instruction, a precursor to the current trend of integrating formative evaluation into the curriculum development process. (CB)

Teacher evaluation is problematic because it combines two conflicting tasks: improving instruction and judging performance. A Boston elementary principal gradually devised an informal supervision/evaluation system involving brief, random, and frequent classroom visits followed by praise, affirmation, suggestions, and constructive criticism. Even…

Two logically related themes in management literature are the "productivity paradox" and "business process reengineering." Hypotheses concerning the stages through which information technology will pass lead to the same conclusions: the industry is in transition, and there will soon be an upward turn in conventional productivity calculation. (AEF)

Describes the use of illuminative techniques in the formative evaluation of a sheltered immersion project in Geneva, Switzerland. Interviews and questionnaires with students and teachers were used in subsequent teacher workshops. This process resulted in positive feedback from the principal and the teachers involved in this project. (Contains six…

Reviews instructional design models; discusses characteristics of distance education in higher education via interactive television; and presents a nine-step instructional design model designed specifically for college course delivery via interactive television. Course goals, content analysis, performance objectives, learner characteristics,…

Effects of frequent ungraded tests on graded unit tests, instructional strategy preference, and student ratings of course and instructor were studied with 82 undergraduates. Mean performance on unit tests did not differ for experimental (formative) and control groups, but formative students expressed a preference for the ungraded tests. (SLD)

Discusses Lynne Goodstein's (1994) assertion that an attempt at multicultural curriculum transformation at one university was a failure. The author argues that most faculty and administrators do not understand the issues or the content involved in curriculum transformation and have not been trained for it. Learning from these failures is critical…

Discusses some of the lessons learned from an attempt at multicultural curriculum transformation as described by Lynne Goodstein in her paper, "The Failure of Curriculum Transformation at a Major Public University: When 'Diversity' Equals 'Variety'" (1994). The author argues why these curricular change setbacks should not be considered…

Responds to Paula Rothenberg's and Elizabeth Kamarck Minnich's arguments that multicultural curriculum change is important and that setbacks, as the one reported by the author, should not halt the effort. The author acknowledges the lack of professional focus on curricular transformation and the need for greater efforts in raising professional…

Formative evaluation of a community health project providing and promoting low-fat foods in five restaurants in Montreal (Canada) shows that restaurateurs are willing to collaborate in project implementation but not in training waiters and that the project did not cause an increase in market demand for low-fat menu offerings. (SLD)

Evaluating restructured education involves the following four roles or functions: (1) goal refinement; (2) documentation; (3) formative experimentation; and (4) impact assessment. Brief discussions of specific evaluation methods and design issues are provided. Formidable challenges involved in improving evaluation and, ultimately, education in…

Process and impact evaluations are compared, and a framework is provided to determine the nature and potential variability of the costs associated with each technical step of each type of evaluation. Recommendations to help in the choice of evaluation option are provided. (SLD)

Describes a demonstration project developed at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) libraries to train nonprofessional library staff with computer-based training using HyperCard that was created by librarians rather than by computer programmers. Evaluation methods are discussed, including formative and summative evaluation; and modifications…

Describes a project at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign that explored several models of teleapprenticeships to provide teacher education students with collaborative, constructivist learning models through the use of electronic networks, and to integrate instructional computer experiences within the teacher education process. (five…