Describes a knowledge-based computer system that integrates principles of formative evaluation and remedial teaching. Theoretical foundations of the system are discussed, the principle of multiple facets is explained, steps to construct a facet test are presented, and an example is given describing how to write minor musical scales. (seven…

Before designing and implementing an evaluation program for principals, districts must determine purpose. Districts that weave both purposes (accountability and professional improvement) into a comprehensive evaluation program reap important benefits. Three basic phases are involved--planning, collecting information, and using information. (MLH)

Discussion of formative evaluation highlights alternative formative evaluation methods and tools and explains their advantages, disadvantages, and applicable contexts. Methods described include two-on-one evaluation; think-aloud protocols; computer interviewing; self-evaluation; panel reviews; evaluation meetings; computer journals and networks;…

Responses from 367 small businesses were used to formulate a four-step process audit: (1) business owner questionnaire; (2) interviews with owners and key personnel; (3) intensive observation; and (4) presentation of a detailed report. The process identifies areas of effectiveness/success and areas needing immediate or long-term action. (SK)

The School Discipline Climate Survey provides information about current levels of staff expectation and satisfaction for each of 13 subscales (attendance policies, discipline policies, staff training, communication, efficiency, parent support, due process/consistency, safe environment, discipline teamwork, strategic planning, penalties,…

Examined psychotherapy studies published in "Journal of Counseling Psychology" (JCP) and "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology" (JCCP) between 1978 and 1992. Found that JCP published mostly process, outcome, and analogue research, whereas JCCP published mostly outcome research. Most process and process-outcome studies across journals were…

Draws on a review of literature about the use of formative assessment in the classroom. Provides a brief overview of the evidence, both quantitative and qualitative, of the quality of teachers' classroom-assessment practices. Contains 23 references. (DDR)

Examines issues in monitoring students' growth and performance as they progress through a training program. These include ensuring faculty and advisor access to evaluation information; demonstrating student growth while remediating weaknesses; and tracking trends in student work. A model for developing a continuous assessment project at one…

This interview with staff-development expert, Bruce Joyce, discusses the effect of staff development on student achievement, focusing on the importance of teachers and administrators continuously studying what they are implementing, research on how staff development affects student achievement, assessment as part of the process of instruction, the…

Discusses how formative assessment workshops aid students in large classes. Sessions provide students with some feedback using multiple choice or short answer questions presented by tutors on TV monitors. At the conclusion of the workshops, tutors make themselves available to answer questions. (AIM)

Two instructional designers were provided with formative evaluation data from sources recommended in the literature and were asked to revise a piece of instructional text while thinking aloud. Examination of the content of coded segments showed that one of the participants demonstrated more attributes of expertise than the other, based on…

Sustainable assessment is a measure of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for lifelong learning. Higher education assessment should meet the needs of the course and prepare learners for assessing themselves. Formative assessment should use a criterion-based framework and separate feedback from grading. (SK)

The purpose of this article is to define formative assessment, outline what is known about the prevalence of formative assessment implementation in the classroom, establish the importance of formative assessment with regards to student motivation and achievement, and present the results of a content analysis of current educational psychology…

Educational technology applications and lessons, such as learning modules, activities, and user-authored systems, face substantial implementation challenges in public schools and post-secondary institutions. The design of technology impacts the willingness of teachers to implement new technology; evaluators examining implementation obstacles can…

Purpose--To suggest to others in the field an approach equally valid for transforming existing courses into online courses and for creating new online courses. Design/methodology/approach--Using the literature for substantiation, this article discusses the current rapid change within organizations, the role of technology in that change, and the…