Describes four perspectives that shape critically reflective practice: (1) one's autobiography as a learner; (2) learners' eyes; (3) colleagues' experiences; and (4) theoretical literature. Presents a critical incidents questionnaire, a structured way to reflect on and examine core assumptions in practice. (SK)

Explains the results of research on formative assessment which focuses on improving student learning. Presents a model for a targeted learning model and lists the components of the model. (YDS)

At the request of a professor, a university center for teaching and learning conducted formative evaluations of an undergraduate course. The evaluation process included two stages: a mid-term formative evaluation with feedback and suggested changes and an end-of-term final evaluation and review. This case study discusses the evaluations and the…

An Internet career fair for Australian college students was developed economically with a minimalist design presenting as much useful information as possible. Twenty major employers attracted 61,000 hits, a high proportion from external students. (SK)

Describes new developments in formative assessment and challenges for the educational community. Asserts that many current assessment practices that serve certification and prediction functions well are not well suited for improving learning. Calls for alternative approaches to assessment, rooted in cognitive theories of knowledge and learning,…

This paper reports the evaluation of a unique three-year program designed to support teachers new to a school district. The emphasis of the evaluation process was on the participation of the stakeholders in the evaluation process and the development of their abilities in evaluation. There is educational significance to this study on two levels.…

Research shows that technology makes a difference in student motivation, engagement, and active learning. It also helps students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Providing each student with his or her own computing device such as a Palm handheld computer and appropriate software can have a great impact. This…

This study utilised a qualitative research methodology known as formative research to improve the process guidelines that are described in the Guidance System for Transforming Education (GSTE). This study took place in a small (5447 students), partly urban and partly rural school district in Indiana. The researchers, also serving as change…

Research shows that formative assessment can exert a powerful effect on student learning, yet the complexity of formative assessment is not well understood and some curricular structures and practices do not fully exploit its potential. This article outlines the background to the political promotion of employability and shows that institutional…

Part one of this article described the first two stages that schools move through as they learn to link data to higher student achievement. In stage one, schools make initial efforts to contextualize the many data sources available, but their data analysis is mostly for its own sake. In stage two--using data to improve educational efficiency--the…

A peer review process is used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine whether states are meeting requirements for funds that they receive. Starting in 2004, a peer review process was initiated on states' standards and assessments. Several of the criteria attend to accommodations and their effects. This report summarizes the key…

This paper focuses on the potential of the learning aspects of assessment. The term "learning-oriented assessment" is introduced and three elements of it are elaborated: assessment tasks as learning tasks; student involvement in assessment as peer- or self-evaluators; and feedback as feedforward. I also indicate how learning-oriented assessment…

Problems with implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) can be assessed in light of change management theory. Viewing stakeholders collectively as a corporate entity supports employing change management strategies to make the NCLB work. Examining ways that organizational controls and change management can work together points to…

This article describes the process evaluation of a stress management program called "Learn Young, Learn Fair" for 5th and 6th graders. Studies, reviews and meta-analyses of prevention programs report that a common limitation in studies is the restricted documentation of process factors that contribute to the success of interventions. Program…

The importance of self- and peer-assessment lies in helping children to take responsibility for their learning, an essential outcome of education that aims to develop the ability of school pupils to continue learning throughout life. For self- and peer-assessment what is needed is that children: (1) understand the goals of a learning activity;…