Some of the difficulties encountered when attempting the formative evaluation of Open University television and radio programs are discussed, and a few tentative conclusions about how the developmental testing of these programs might develop are considered. (Author/JEG)

Presents production plan and formative evaluation reports developed by the media production department of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) to state production specifications concisely, and then to document and report learner and product performance during field testing. (CMV)

A research study demonstrates that making revisions suggested by developmental testing of an Open University music course resulted in more effective learning, reduced study time, and fewer learning difficulties for students. (Author/STS)

Cites the need and traces the development of an interinstitutional undergraduate marine science program. Provides formative evaluation of the program. (CP)

Describes the initial efforts of the Nova Scotia Department of Education and the Atlantic Institute of Education in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to conduct a formative evaluation of a French language television series in order to suggest improvements for their own television programs. (Author/RK)

Asserts that individuals are limited in knowing by the threshold of their available means of perception. Everything exists in relation to other things; a person's assumptions and methods participate in creating results he or she sees, thus social science research problems are part of a pattern of interaction. Advocates isolating not entities, but…

Described back-end synthesis as the creation and integration of the secondary intervention required for efficient and cost-effective implementation of performance improvement programs. Involving analysis, design, evaluation, revision, and implementation, this process is related to front-end analysis, and a sample application in a performance…

Presents an instructional development model that incorporates formative evaluation techniques, and explores the possible application of the model in developing computer-assisted instruction courseware. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are identified and implications for research on formative evaluation are discussed. (31 references)…

Describes the Training Effectiveness Algorithm, a systematic procedure for identifying the cause of reported training problems which was developed for use in the U.S. Navy. A two-step review by subject matter experts is explained, and applications of the algorithm to other organizations and training systems are discussed. (Author/LRW)

This article describes the "user-focused" evaluation of the new "Life Sciences and Agriculture" curriculum under current development by the Israeli Ministry of Education for rural and agricultural high schools. The four-step process involves: (1) clarifying curriculum objectives; (2) defining three classes of performance; (3)…

Classroom research and formative evaluation, the most efficient methods of assessing and planning teaching improvements, form the link to quality student learning. An assessment program at Alverno College (Wisconsin) and an instructional improvement program at Miami-Dade Community College (Florida) demonstrate the importance of bringing assessment…

The availability of computers suggests reevaluation of (1) the need for teaching mathematical modeling and numerical analysis of structures in engineering education when most of these applications can be performed easily by computer and (2) computer use for formative evaluation of student learning. (MSE)

Using Cogan's multi-phased Cycle of Supervision, the project focused on teacher behavior as it affects classroom climate and used supervisor and teacher evaluations as tools for inservice education. Preferred and actual teacher behavior were recorded on a modified Tuckman Teacher Feedback Form. The formative process identified areas for teacher…

Teachers and administrators in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, received inservice training to prepare them for participation in a widely appreciated supervisory relationship that grants teachers professional respect and reserves formal evaluation for teachers who are clearly failing to meet objectives cited in their personal professional growth plans. (PGD)