Three models of evaluation emerge: objective and independent, objective but serving one interest, and pseudo-scientific public relations. Evaluation of an interdisciplinary mental health education program and roles must all be attended to or the weak link undermines the rest. (Author/RL)

Reviews formative evaluation and presents a model for instructional material development and revision. The model can be used for curriculum development efforts and is designed to be helpful in a variety of instructional efforts. (CT)

Basic word-list publications are seen as still inadequate. In these, word building should be dealt with. Recent research findings in the fields of syntax and semantics should also be brought to bear. Useless elements should be eliminated, and active as opposed to passive vocabulary recognized. (IFS/WGA)

Findings of this study on the validity of script reviews in preproduction formative evaluation support the use of script evaluations as a means of identifying program strengths and weaknesses and serving as a guide for revision. Program areas that can be reliably evaluated at the script stage are discussed. (RAO)

Merit is an intrinsic measure of value which inheres in the evaluated entity itself, while worth depends on the interaction of the evaluated entity with its context and may vary dramatically from context to context. If taken seriously, the differences point toward the need for more naturalistically oriented evaluation. (RL)

Illustrates the need for process evaluation as part of cost-effectiveness/benefit studies. Identifies reasons for ineffectiveness in three outcomes for cost-effectiveness/ benefit analysis (enrollment, completion, employment), and suggests some general strategies for program improvement. (CT)

Explains formative and summative evaluation and the stages of instructional design. Applies Kirkpatrick's model of training evaluation (evaluating reactions, learning, behavior, and results) to volunteer training. (SK)

Discusses the need for quality assurance in distance education; describes evaluation criteria; and reports how Ivy Tech State College (Indiana) created a peer review process as a formative evaluation tool to assure the quality of its distance education courses. Explains roles of the participants and evaluation of the peer review prototype. (LRW)

Describes formative and self-regulating evaluation, developed by Citogroep and used for primary schools in the Netherlands to signal the progress of 6-12-year-old students and monitor their learning. Presents the structure, principles, and tools of the management of the improvement of differential pedagogy and key ideas for teacher education.…

Offers an interview between Bethan Marshall, a Lecturer in Education at King's College, London, and Dylan Wiliam, a Professor of Assessment in the Department of Education at King's College. Notes that he has been involved in work on assessment, both in research and government policy, for many years. Explores the findings of his research and its…

Presents and demonstrates three new concepts in innovation diffusion: the attribution matrix, the innovation profile, and the potential for adoption rating that determines which among similar innovations is most likely to be adopted. This predictive model represents a means of conducting formative evaluation research about the potential for…

Begins by discussing what interactive multimedia (IMM) is, why it is used, and how it should be evaluated. A pragmatic approach to evaluation is advocated, and a framework for formative evaluation is proposed, which focuses on formative experimentation. The educational goals of IMM technology and methods of formative experimentation are detailed.…

This article looks at the limits of traditional assessment techniques and argues for dynamic assessment of students with disabilities. The critical features of five models of dynamic assessment are described. The limitations of dynamic assessment are considered, and guidelines are offered to further the use of this approach. (Author/DB)

Used Comprehensive Process Analysis to analyze six client-identified significant insight events in two treatments. Psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy event documented existence of two-part significant events and value of key words. Cognitive-behavioral therapy event illustrated role of context in transforming small therapy events into significant…

Annual summative evaluation rarely brings about professional growth or change; ongoing formative evaluation that allows for corrections and encourages development of new skills and talents is more effective. Data alone are not enough. Principals' needs must be linked to the resources of people, materials, funds, and enriched staff development…