Evaluates an interactive, instructional Web site that teaches the basic tenets of human performance technology. The methodology, based on a combination of heuristic and formative evaluation techniques, involved measuring attitudinal reactions to the Web site, learning gains from performance scores on practice exercise, and content, navigation, and…

In 1997, Christine Sorenson reported on the Iowa Distance Education Alliance project that developed an instrument to assess student attitudes about experiences in Iowa Communications Network classrooms. This study evaluates graduate students to determine whether distance education may be more suitable for levels of instruction different from those…

Two studies compared individuals at high- and low-risk for child physical abuse on measures of social information processing. In both studies, either childless women or mothers read vignettes of parent-child interactions in which the child's compliance was difficult to interpret. High- and low-risk participants used different evaluation standards…

A study involving 84 special educators in two western states investigated special education knowledge and use of various transition assessment strategies. Although most of the educators indicated they were aware of all types of assessment strategies, they still relied heavily on those that were either standardized or teacher prepared. (Contains…

Suggests that long-term project and performance-based tasks that meet the standards described in the Israeli English curriculum are the key to reviving students' interest in the English classroom. Provides a sample project and assessment rubrics. (Author/VWL)

A survey of 56 Early Childhood Special Education teacher education programs found that the majority had separate assessment courses with a practicum component. Assessment topics receiving the greatest emphasis were instructional assessment for programing, appropriate assessment procedures, use of observational techniques, and…

Reported is a case study of environmental education students (19) at Johannesburg College of Education. The case study used a phenomenological approach. Reasons for the evaluation design and results of the evaluation are included. (CW)

Early intervention professionals (N=95) rated their own knowledge and skills in 16 areas of competency. The paper analyzes the distinction between knowledge and skills, identification of item clusters, and changes in ratings over time. Findings provide partial support for the usefulness of self-ratings in the context of inservice education. (JDD)

The study of curriculum-based measurement (CBM), involving 57 adults in a basic literacy program, found that narrative rather than expository passages exhibited higher reliability. Level of difficulty did not affect reliability. Validity data showed inconsistency between CBM and standardized test scores. The measures were sensitive to student…

Describes results of a literature review and telephone survey of the 50 United States to identify research and evaluation studies of distance education programs for elementary and secondary school children. Highlights include types of technology; focus of instruction; effectiveness of distance education; and evaluation criteria. (25 references)…

Focuses on the importance of teacher involvement in designing evaluation plans, climate setting, and awareness raising within the school. Emphasizes teacher appraisal as a step in the development of human resources. Recommends negotiated change and supporting teacher autonomy, rather than legislated change. Supports collegial relationships as a…

Traces assessment trends in British education since 1983. Discusses the examination system recommended by the Secondary Examinations Council, reviews the documentation of achievement by means other than examinations, and outlines the introduction of the National Curriculum. Suggests that trends have made objectives clearer to students and have…

Describes a 1987 survey of bibliographic instruction in U.S. academic libraries that was sponsored by the Library Orientation-Instruction Exchange (LOEX), and compares results with data gathered in 1979. Highlights include instructional methods, print and nonprint materials, evaluation methods, publicity methods, and suggestions for future…

The Transition Checklist was developed to compare characteristics of mainstream settings with performance levels of students entering those settings. The checklist assesses classroom instructional methods and materials, course content, evaluation techniques, and classroom management; interpersonal/social relations; and related school environments,…

Discussion of the role of the school library media specialist focuses on how to diagnose information needs. Highlights include diagnostic processes for individuals and for groups; the reference interview; needs assessment; neutral questions; determining user preferences; client limitations; and evaluation. (eight references) (LRW)