Evaluation as a process of obtaining and providing useful information for making educational decisions is discussed with reference to the concepts expressed in "The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation." The need for the evaluator to know the approaches, interests, and values of the decision maker is discussed. (CTM)

The Judicial Evaluation Model (JEM) is presented as a necessary supplement to the technique developed in "The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation" because persuasion only serves the side that wins, whereas JEM serves to keep inquiry reasonable and impartial and to enhance credibility. (CTM)

A tool consisting of 2 sets of 18 statements and requiring 20 minutes for administration, the Hartman Value Profile evaluates progress and maturity in areas not readily adaptable to more objective means of evaluation. Firsthand experiences with the HVP have indicated successful evaluations of postsecondary student thinking. (JC)

Provides guidelines for developing a successful Web site. Among the topics are usefulness, including bookmarks, search engines, and organizational needs; change, including the need for periodic evaluation; appearance, including differences among browsers and use of color; organization of the site; and advertising. (LRW)

Explores the need for assessment and evaluation in residence halls, reviews some of the pertinent literature, and suggests some research topics that may be worthy of more attention. Includes list of 16 questions that housing officers may wish to address. (NB)

Conducting research about camp programs begins with asking a question and determining the nature of the question--whether it requires a needs assessment, an evaluation process, original data, or a cost/benefit analysis. Discusses factors to consider in deciding whether to allow existing staff members to conduct a study, or to contract with an…

Discussion of information retrieval focuses on theoretical and empirical advances in knowledge-based information retrieval. Topics discussed include the use of natural language for queries; the use of expert systems; intelligent tutoring systems; user modeling; the need for evaluation of system effectiveness; and examples of systems, including…

Presents a 10-step process that allows swimming-pool owners to objectively scrutinize their existing facility's needs, construction, and operation and maintenance budgets before renovating a structurally deficient or costly pool. Four examples of problems involving pool-renovation decision making are highlighted. (GR)

Reviews the literature on psychogenic dissociative disorders in children so as to highlight the unique characteristics and needs of this population. Discusses three central ideas, such as the role of the counseling psychologist in the research, assessment and treatment of dissociatively disordered children, and emphasizes contributions counseling…

Provides an introduction to this theme issue by reviewing the status of bibliographic instruction, particularly in academic libraries, over the past decade. Topics include criticism, the need for evaluation, practical and theoretical viewpoints, the need for collaboration, the impact of technology, the need to recognize cultural diversity; and…

This essay suggests that freedom and democracy will not be sustainable unless all participant groups (citizens, judges, legislators/executives): (1) have the knowledge and motivation necessary to promote ongoing progress; and (2) possess the integrity necessary to inspire public confidence. A case could be made that each of these participant…

Reasons for the absence of systematic, high-quality investigation of educational questions are explored. An example of such investigation, in conjunction with an experimental economics program using self paced instruction suggests that we could learn something about the educational process if we tried. (JH)

Stresses the importance of careful planning prior to the beginning of an evaluation effort and discusses a number of basic questions that a community educator should consider in planning any evaluation program. (JG)

Key questions in outcome evaluation involve outcomes to be measured, differentiation of institutions, and the evaluation criteria-professionally derived or community-derived. (Author/SDH)

Brief case studies of three projects are presented to illustrate the steps which open "Wonderful Programs" to evaluation research. The evaluator is provided with the perspective needed to believe the evaluation is worth doing. The project staff is then redirected to the need for a new type of evidence. An ongoing review of the commitment…