The methods for cooperative education developed at the University of Lethbridge reflect the commitment to the criterion of academic quality, high faculty input and participation, on-site supervision, and an optimal range of vocational experiences recognized through the awarding of significant amounts of degree credit. (Editor/LBH)

A study of the reliability and validity of a course evaluation method using small student discussion groups revealed the method to be reliable and productive but found discrepancies between student and teacher objects of evaluation and some dissatisfaction among teachers. (MSE)

Evaluation alone will probably not improve teaching, but, when it is accompanied by feedback, information about teaching and learning, and work with a knowledgeable consultant, evaluation may lead to improvement. An experienced consultant can foster trust, offer encouragement, and provide guided practice to help faculty improve their teaching…

A study of 753 utilities company workers examined the relationship between a measure of worker self-directed learning readiness and their job level, sex, age, education, race, job performance rating, creativity and problem-solving ability needed in their jobs, and the degree of change inherent in their work. (Author/MSE)

Considers the degree to which scientifically acquired knowledge about language can be used in the design and execution of language teaching programs. Second language learners should become fluent speakers when they are exposed to copious linguistic data and have adequate opportunity for interaction in the language with other speakers. (CB)

A study of the full-time faculty rated highest by students and peers found that they used distinctive classroom interaction patterns including criterion-based praise of student verbal communication, expansion on student ideas, encouragement after error, provide alternatives for students to choose, and other indirect support of student…

Discusses achievement motivation among distance education students, and describes a study of Kenyan primary school teachers enrolled in an in-service training course taught primarily through correspondence. A modified Thematic Apperception Test will be used to determine the correlation between achievement motive and performance score in written…

Assessed the relative availability of Piagetian formal reasoning concepts at different ages in adulthood and examined performance patterns on standardized intelligence tests, logical reasoning, immediate memory span, and personality measures. Results indicated that although the elderly students' performances were generally adequate, their scores…

Stresses the importance of faculty evaluation in continuing education and community service programs. Discusses the shortcomings of student evaluations. Identifies key steps in evaluation (i.e., establishing minimum qualifications, providing orientation to teaching, conducting in-class observations and evaluations, and taking follow-up action).…

For 83 low-achieving elementary students, predictions of future performance were computed on the basis of reading and written expression data and were subsequently compared to actual data. Analyses indicated that predictions were more accurate when the data had been graphed on equal interval graphs rather than semilogarithmic charts. (Author/JDD)

Precision teaching can accelerate basic skills progress of special needs children. Issues discussed include using probes as performance tests, charting daily progress, using the charted data to modify teaching methods, determining appropriate age levels, assessing the number of students to be precision taught, and carefully allocating time. (JDD)

Reports on a study using two alternatives for evaluating the quality of teaching and courses in an undergraduate engineering program. Results indicate that the relationship between a global problem and individual questions is highly correlated. (TW)

The study examined effects of a self-instructional training package on the job-task sequencing, task completion, and unnecessary task repetition of four mentally retarded females (ages 18-20) employed as housekeeping and food service trainees in a hospital. Among results were increased job-task sequencing and decreased task repetition for all…

A study compared the characteristics, job performance, and employment/career patterns of graduates of baccalaureate and doctoral nursing programs one year after graduation and found significant differences in the groups on each set of variables. (MSE)

Simulated patients can standardize the presentation of a patient problem, and, if the patients are employed in an assessment, the assessment can have an objectivity similar to that of written tests. The results and feasibility of using simulated patients in an assessment are described. (Author/MLW)