Includes 10 articles related to evaluating learning in technical agriculture discuss evaluation techniques, authentic assessment, evaluation of student learning in agricultural mechanics, assessment of knowledge using standards and benchmarks, standardized testing, academic skills assessment, and formative classroom assessment. (JOW)

Accountability policy research relies on systems theory, objectivism, and logical empiricism to identify learning performance indicators. Policy knowledge production should permit a more holistic, causally interdependent view of teaching, learning, and leadership services. Presents an accountability policy methodology stressing formative…

Describes a program developed by librarians at Arizona State University West to evaluate their library instruction. Topics discussed include stressing individual improvement rather than personnel evaluation and decisions; group process; focus on formative evaluation; role of evaluation measures; evaluations by faculty and students; and colleague…

Articles in this special issue consider different aspects of community-level evaluation research and demonstrate the emerging sophistication and promise of this field. Process evaluation, qualitative research, and meta-analysis are promising new directions for ensuring more appropriate levels of analysis and more appropriate outcomes. (SLD)

Adventure therapists are often asked to assess clients in a manner that differs from their therapeutic approach, resulting in assessment being perceived as burdensome. Project Adventure's Decision Tree combines assessment with activity selection to create a dynamic tool that is responsive to group, individual, and leader needs. Example focuses on…

Discussion of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) focuses on ITS evaluation studies, particularly methodological issues. Topics include summative evaluation for efficiency; quantitative evaluation; formative evaluation; informal evaluation; cognitive mediation perspectives of evaluation; integrating cognitive theories into ITS; effectiveness of…

While a CD-ROM on network topologies was being developed, it was evaluated formatively by 14 office systems teachers and summatively by 23 students using it in class. Improvements in ease of use, performance, and the accuracy and clarity of content were made. (SK)

As people with HIV live longer and healthier lives, ongoing prevention with positive individuals has become a new focus of care. Effective prevention with positives interventions are emerging and new interventions continue to be developed. This article discusses the development and evaluation of the prevention for positives intervention developed…

A self-assessment schedule has been developed for first-year geography students at Curtin University of Technology. Its purpose is to guide students towards independent learning by encouraging them to reflect more on "what" and "how" they learn. Results of the 2003 and 2004 trials showed that the self-assessment schedule had a…

This article addresses the controversial question of whether student learning journals should be assessed. It draws on a collaborative action research project into the uses of learning journals at the University of Sussex in which assessment was continually debated. The characteristics of learning journals in terms of pedagogic purpose, outcome…

This paper considers alternative assessment, feedback and cybernetics. For more than 30 years, debates about the bi-polarity of formative and summative assessment have served as surrogates for discussions about the workings of the mind, the social implications of assessment and, as important, the role of instruction in the advancement of learning.…

This article reports the results of an investigation of the convergent criterion-related validity of two computer-based tools for scoring concept maps and essays as part of the ongoing formative evaluation of these tools. In pairs, participants researched a science topic online and created a concept map of the topic. Later, participants…

A quick poll of how physical educators grade students would likely reveal that most grade on such things as participation and improvement. While this sounds acceptable, in practice, grading most often reflects a scheme based on attendance or seat time, with fitness and skill testing added at the conclusion of a unit. Physical educators who would…

This chapter extends the discussion of the Baldrige framework in the preceding chapter by highlighting the eleven lessons learned from Baldrige best-practice organizations. (Contains 6 notes.)

This paper reviews the role of ICT-based assessment in the light of the growing use of virtual learning environments in universities. Issues of validity, efficiency, type of response, and scoring are addressed. A major area of research is the automated scoring of text. Claims for automated formative assessment are queried, since the feedback of…