In its role as a broker between the scientific community and the Congress, the Office of Technology Assessment evaluates the soundness of scientific conclusions for policy makers and ensures that research findings are included in formative policy analysis. (Author)

Despite a number of organizational limitations and shortcomings, a pilot project in Pakistan designed to make adults functionally literate with the help of television has been demonstrated viable. Three references are listed. (Author/LLS)

Suggests that new developments in prescriptive theory offer an opportunity for instructional designers to combine research and practice in developing instruction. Ways in which instructional theories can facilitate practical applications are suggested. (MER)

Group therapy sessions were rated using four Hill interaction matrix variables and Truax-Carkhuff variables of empathy, immediacy, self-exploration, and confrontation. Canonical correlation analysis suggested the two systems converged along a dimension labeled initiating skills. Hill's system showed that immediacy, conceptualized by Traux and…

Examines the usefulness of participatory evaluation in program development. Emphasizes formative evaluation and suggests approaches for planning participation in evaluation and adapting methods to facilitate use of participatory evaluation in adult and nonformal education programs. (JOW)

Reviews a number of models, paradigms, designs, techniques, and procedures for the evaluation of instructional materials. (RAO)

Describes two occasions where television has been used to record a series of tutorials in mathematics and earth science to improve the performance of those conducting the tutorials. The opportunity for playback, analysis, and discussion with colleagues was especially valuable. (Author)

This examination of methods by which specificity is achieved in LC subject headings includes examples of the application of these methods in particular headings, and a brief discussion of problems of consistency and levels of specificity in LCSH. (Author/MBR)

In 1991, Michael Scriven published "Beyond Formative and Summative Evaluation," a reconsideration of the classic distinction in evaluation roles. Debate about the roles of evaluation continued in the four papers that follow this introduction, all of which were presented at a forum at the 1995 International Evaluation Conference. (SLD)

Performance measurement can serve both formative and summative evaluation functions. Formative evaluation is typically more useful for government purposes whereas performance measurement is more useful than one-shot evaluations of either formative or summative nature. Evaluators should study performance measurement through case studies and…

The formative-summative distinction in evaluation is defended as a reasonable way to classify evaluation activities. Context ultimately defines the formative or summative functions of evaluation. The characteristics of an evaluator are defined, and points of agreement with the other contributors to the forum are noted. (SLD)

Examined the Kirkpatrick evaluation framework (D. Kirkpatrick, 1959) through a case study of a national leadership development program, the Canadian Agriculture Lifetime Leadership Program. Draws conclusions about using the Kirkpatrick framework to evaluate noncredit educational programs, and shows how the framework enabled productive formative…

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination used in British nursing education can enhance skill development through simulated experiences. Survey results from 86 students and 39 lecturers show that it can be effective when used formatively for hands-on practice and feedback. (Contains 16 references.) (SK)

Discussion of the predictive evaluation of educational software, i.e. the evaluation of software prior to its intended use, focuses on a model known as the Jigsaw Model, which attempts to integrate usability and educational issues. Highlights include the failure of checklists for evaluation and two studies that tested the model with practicing…

Discusses the dimensions of automatic, Web-based testing and the issues surrounding it. Suggests two testing softwares, eGrade and Test Pilot. (Author/SOE)