A task related to knowledge and beliefs was completed by 154 researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates. Greater expertise led to more varied views. Common beliefs and misconceptions can be made explicit through appropriate formative assessment and a focus on transformative learning. (SK)

This action research project sought to enhance assessment for learning, focusing on a "mini-viva" whereby students explained and justified to the instructor selected aspects of their assignment after it was submitted but before grading. Found that student reaction was generally positive but there were some limitations of the method. (EV)

Reviews 15 years of progress in three psychometric research areas: latent dimensionality structure, test fairness, and skills diagnosis through educational tests. Also discusses an effective model for selecting and carrying out research. Describes a new assessment paradigm that embraces skills level formative assessment. (SLD)

Conducted a formative research study designed to elicit preferences for sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV prevention programs from clients at a midwestern STD clinic. Responses of 126 participants show preferences for mixed group or individual meetings with counselors, with extensive intervention less favored than single sessions. Discusses…

The effects of individualized written feedback, oral group feedback, and no feedback on learning music were evaluated in a study of 80 secondary level students. Findings indicate that oral group information feedback promotes significantly more learning than does individualized written feedback or no feedback. (JD)

Describes and reflects on the faculty evaluation efforts of one midwestern community college. Examines some of the inherent differences between four-year and two-year institutions. Supports the use of formative faculty evaluation. (MM)

The methodology and design of the process evaluation system of the Pawtucket Heart Health Program (an 11-year project for changing/documenting change in cardiovascular disease risk status of a northeastern city's residents) are described. Examples of the system's use are provided. The maintenance of such a system without substantial evaluation…

Discusses issues concerning the formative evaluation process in instructional design models. Distinctions between formative and summative evaluation are described; expert evaluation and student evaluation techniques are explained; the status of formative evaluation is examined; and connoisseurship as evaluation is considered, including the…

Following media recruitment campaign, WIN at Home, series of diet-related booklets mailed to participants, was evaluated through survey of 226 participants (75 percent). Results showed that 97 percent learned about program through media, women were more likely to learn about it from personal sources, 57 percent shared information with spouses, and…

Describes nature and usefulness of process evaluation techniques, stressing their importance in understanding why and how drug treatment programs succeed and fail. Specific aspects of process evaluation discussed include topics for conducting such analyses, diverse data sources which should be accessed in thorough process evaluation, and decision…

Delineates and explains essential characteristics of single-case research methodology applied within domain of psychotherapy research. Presents single-case research as subclass of intrasubject research in which aggregation across subjects is avoided and generality of one's findings is addressed through replication on case-by-case basis.…

Reviews the basic assumptions of two paradigms of inquiry, the rationalist and the naturalist, to determine which one provides the best fit for one-to-one formative evaluation of instructional materials focusing on learnability issues. Conclusions suggest the naturalistic assumptions are more suitable. (13 references) (LRW)

Describes the use of structured video recall as a formative evaluation tool in the Royal Museums of Scotland. The use of questionnaires and interviews to gather data on experience and opinion is described, the adaptation of Interpersonal Process Recall is explained, and other applications of structured recall are suggested. (six references) (LRW)

Defines a cycle of assessment and action, and a continuum from formative to summative assessments. Illustrates problems caused when one assessment must serve both formative and summative functions. Argues that separating the collection of evidence from its interpretation, or the interpretation of evidence from consequent action, helps alleviate…

A communication model consisting of input from target audience, program delivery, and outcomes (receivers' perception of message) was applied to an osteoporosis-prevention program for working mothers ages 21 to 45. Due to poor completion rate on evaluation instruments and failure of participants to learn key concepts, the model was used to improve…