Performance management, a joint process involving both supervisor and employee in the identification of common goals and writing of performance expectations, is recommended as a quality management approach to college and university personnel management. Its philosophical bases, management rationale, and the use of performance appraisal within this…

Reports on a study that compared the behavior of two types of users (search specialists and subject matter specialists with no search experience) with two types of online information retrieval interfaces, including DIALOG. Highlights include data recording via transaction logs, structured interviews, and focus group discussions; and hypothesis…

Two studies investigated ways in which computer and video technology can support expert human coaches in order to reduce instructor time and increase learner-centered environments; the goal was to train undergraduate students to facilitate others' interpersonal problem solving. Results indicate that the technology-supported methods can decrease…

Five articles in this special issue present the approaches to accountability found in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland, provinces that represent 85% of all Canadian elementary and secondary school students. The articles are then discussed by representatives of four national Canadian educational associations. (SLD)

Discusses the significant, historically-rooted gender differences in equality of computer access and performance outcomes. Identifies issues to be dealt with to assure a future in which girls will succeed in technology-based education. Suggests research issues and discusses the mathematical component of computing, influence of family, gender bias…

This article urges educators of the gifted and talented to become knowledgeable about educational reform efforts at the local, state, and national levels. Specific initiatives pertinent to gifted education include ungraded primary schools; performance-based assessment of student progress; use of student portfolios; and rigorous, revamped…

This study applied 2 U.S. instruments to assess 11 Indian graduate students' evaluations of teaching effectiveness. Results indicated high internal consistency, and the measures' items were seen as appropriate. Analysis suggested more overlap between teaching skill and enthusiasm than evident in Western studies. (Author/DB)

Discusses school restructuring and how it can apply to music education. Includes changes in concepts of education, the movement toward accountability, and defining effective schools. Describes effective schools as those in which the basic skills of underserved students are at the same level as those of middle class students. (DK)

Based on a review of literature on social work field learning and analysis of current data on student performance criteria, eight learning objectives for field study were identified. The objectives reflect traditional concepts and contemporary demands on the profession. A student field performance evaluation method using the objectives is…

Describes a study of motivational factors influencing 19 first-year students who made the dean's list their first quarter in college, despite a poor academic performance in high school. Applies Weiner's attributional theory of motivation. Most students attributed their prior academic performance to a lack of motivation/effort. (DMM)

Describes a performance-based assessment approach utilizing science activities and questions to assess different levels of thinking. Objectives, materials, and procedures are provided for the assessment of student skills in classification, observation and inference, interpretation, and analysis. (PR)

This paper investigated the relationship between (1) perceived responsibility for intellectual achievement, and (2) objective tests measuring convergent and divergent thinking and subjective teacher ratings and classmates' nominations, in 1,033 gifted children (age 9). The results indicate that internal control is a mediating variable in the…

A study conducted with 105 university students investigated the effectiveness of using previous research findings as a means of teaching students how to interpret verbal and nonverbal behavior (decoding). Practice may be the critical feature for training in decoding. Research findings were successfully converted into educational techniques. (SLD)

A literature review describes evaluation activities in mental health services in financial, programmatic/clinical, and new constituency areas. Expanding reimbursement for alternative mental health services is offered as a way of developing a formal structure to ensure better utilization of evaluation results. (SLD)

Argues that criteria for grading essay questions in geography examinations must be explicit and must reflect the kinds of knowledge and abilities sought after in British undergraduate geography courses. Proposes evaluative criteria designed to encourage and assess critical thinking. Enjoins other geographers to further the debate. (CH)