Following a discussion of the research-to-support-theory (RTST) model and problems with its use in research on computer-based instruction, the instructional development (ID) model is proposed. Definition, design, development, and dissemination stages of the ID model are described. Advantages of this model, particularly the inclusion of expert…

Conducted study to assess nature and extent of alcohol consumption by college students and to make recommendation about university responses to alcohol use and abuse on campus. Students (n=247) completed questionnaires assessing various alcohol-related issues. Results were used to guide in planning and implementation of alcohol education,…

Discusses audit trails (i.e., records of learner responses) in interactive multimedia and hypermedia instruction. Topics addressed include four purposes of audit trails, including formative evaluation in instructional design, basic research, usage studies, and counseling and advising; advantages and limitations of the audit trail approach; and…

Presents a technique used during the first five minutes of class that elicits from students written responses to questions of their understanding of mathematical content or their attitudes toward their mathematics class specifically, or mathematics in general. Provides sample questions from algebra, geometry, and general mathematics. (MDH)

Presents a conceptual framework of educational diagnosis based on formative evaluation. Describes a computer-based diagnostic system that maximizes the coherence and effectiveness of obtained information by generating a structural diagnosis of the nature of student errors and a causal diagnosis related to teaching methods. Contains 64 references.…

Describes the formative evaluation of a multimedia computer system that provides remedial support for university students learning concepts concerning the structure and function of the human brain and describes usability studies of the system using the Software Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI). Analysis of SUMI items and the student…

Describes a quasi-experimental study comparing students' perceptions of empowerment in two sections of a graduate social-work course. One section was taught using a traditional format of lectures, exams, and papers. The other was taught with techniques intended to empower students: learning contracts, formative evaluations, and narrative…

Developed a system for assessing students' reasoning proficiency in introductory genetics in the computer-supported environment GenScope (tm). Studied whether the assessment system helped students develop the understanding it was designed to assess. Results from 11 high school classes showing strong evidential validity and limited consequential…

Seeks to explore and discover the appropriate role for the evaluation of faculty and determine how evaluations are used in Texas community colleges. Suggests that faculty evaluation by students occurs on a regular basis, but what schools and instructional administrators do with these results, or if they do anything with them at all, is another…

Describes the following phases of multimedia courseware production: (1) needs assessment; (2) content and design; (3) rapid prototype; (4) storyboarding; (5) building the course using the production pathway; (6) usability testing; (7) quality assurance and testing. Benefits of Web-based courseware, courseware development team members and roles,…

Nine evaluations of projects of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are described. Most are formative in nature, designed to improve the programs targeted and to increase stakeholder participation. Almost all were conducted in Africa. The descriptions of research methodology have many implications for educational evaluation. (SLD)

A change in approaches to teaching is needed, so that academics' time can be targeted to maximize learning effect. Less time needs to be devoted to the lecture, and more to learning encounters in which there is a higher formative potential. The requirement is for methods stressing active learning, in which staff and peers contribute formative and…

Studied the use of the student evaluation questionnaire as a means of teacher evaluation through the views of two university lecturers. Findings suggest that the use of student evaluation questionnaires as a means of summative and comparative appraisal has several negative implications for lecturers' understandings of teaching and their…

Describes a formative evaluation of the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) distance learning program, which offers professional military education (PME). Highlights include use of the status study methodology; curriculum development; course design; learning theories; instructional systems design; best practices; and student assessment. (LRW)

Examines some simple and more complicated ways for faculty to obtain meaningful feedback in the middle of the semester, while there is still time to make changes for the students in that class. (EV)