Problems with previous factor analytic studies on effective college instruction include: lack of theoretical rationale for item selection; use of incorrect units of analysis; lack of student randomization to classes; failure to control for setting effects; and low content and construct validity. (Author/MSE)

A model for systematic, formative, and participatory self-evaluation of teacher training programs is presented and analyzed, and the conditions for its successful application are outlined. (MSE)

Formative evaluation has become an acceptable process to use in curriculum development. The article synthesizes the extant literature and reports the application of formative evaluation in the development of microcomputer instructional software. (Author)

Describes basic structure of a framegame, Chain Gang, in which self-instructional modules teach a cognitive skill. Procedures are presented for loading new content into the game's basic framework to teach algorithms or heuristics and for game modification to suit different situations. Handouts used in the basic game are appended. (MBR)

Describes a Centre Mondial Informatique et Resources Humaines (CIMRH) investigation of kindergarten children's written language learning and links between play and learning. Computer software was used by students for language learning, and observations centered on student computer use, learning of written language and play, and computer…

Considers important elements of comprehensive faculty evaluation systems (e.g., provision of formative feedback for instructors performing unsatisfactorily and of incentives for excellence). Details the development and results of the evaluation system at Illinois Valley Community College. (LAL)

Reports the use of curriculum mapping, a systematic approach to monitoring curriculum implementation and gathering feedback, during one year in a western suburban school district. Describes how administrators can use mapping to manage a school curriculum and identifies methodological problems. (TE)

Sound, research-based educational reform principles suggest that public schools need arts education as a regular component of a comprehensive curriculum that will lead to student success, and that Universities can and should apply their vast stores of expertise and personnel on behalf of K-12 improvements in teacher support and child learning.…

This paper describes the GenScope Assessment Project, a project that is exploring ways of using multimedia computers to teach complex science content, refining sociocultural views of assessment and motivation, and considering different ways of reconciling the differences between these newer views and prior behavioral and cognitive views. The…

This report is based on the analysis of initial interviews with the staff of the Freshmen Learning Community Program (FLCP) staff. FLCP is a pilot program in engineering education that focuses on diversity and cultural change. Data includes structured open-ended interviews and observations of discussion sections and learning program meetings.…

This report describes the implementation of the DC 21st Century Learning Centers (DC 21st CCLC) Summer 2000 program, which enrolled about 1,000 children attending 9 middle and junior high schools. The report is designed to provide feedback to managers of the DC 21st CCLC program and to inform Children and Youth Investment Partnership, of which DC…

In November 2002, the Institute for the Advancement of Emerging Technologies in Education at AEL gathered education practitioners to help shepherd new assessments from the research laboratory to the classroom. Approximately 60 teachers and administrators attended the conference. The discussion focused on the possibility of aggregating formative…

Using educational technology in reading instruction is one approach, among others, to assist students to increase reading skills. However, there are several reasons why technology is not increasingly used in the school setting, including lack of administrative support; failure to allocate a technology coordinator to help train teachers and…

This paper reviews literature on teacher effectiveness and evaluation. In order for teacher evaluation to be effective in terms of improving teacher performance, it has to be formative. Evaluations also can contribute to the improvement of the performance of the school overall. Teacher evaluation also has effects on the environment outside the…

Suggests that the development of models and of claims about their generalizability in the absence of information about how evaluation occurs does little to advance the field of curriculum evaluation. Includes a description of the evaluation activities in the Israeli Curriculum Center. A bibliography is included. (Editor)