This case study examined formative assessment of a first-year core course initiated in response to an external requirement. The paper discusses the campus assessment climate; describes how course faculty became proponents for assessment; explains how the core survey became housed in a larger student satisfaction survey; and outlines key elements…

This article presents the insights gained by individuals involved in designing and implementing an evaluation system for a coalition of Professional Development Schools (PDSs) in rural Alabama. The article begins with a brief overview of the history of PDSs, with a particular emphasis on issues related to establishing quality indicators and…

This report discusses the findings from an evaluation study of the Learning Without Limits program in the fifth grade at Riverdale Elementary in the Shelby County Schools district, Memphis, Tennessee. The overall purpose of the evaluation was twofold: (a) to provide formative evaluation data to Riverdale School to use as a basis for improvement…

Reports a research study in Scottish secondary schools to create diagnostic tests for assessing historical skills--in particular in enquiry, interpretation, and reconstruction of historical materials. Examples of the diagnostic instruments used and the structure of a teaching module are given and favorable reactions from pupils and teachers are…

The role of evaluation in improving academic performance is explored. A theoretical development of formative evaluation in higher education and a critique of higher education in the light of that theory is presented. Grading, feedforward, feedback, course length, and cumulative assessment are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Redesign of human-computer interface for users of computerized information systems can make substantial difference in training time, performance speed, error rates, and user satisfaction. Information and computer scientists are using controlled psychologically oriented experimentation, and evaluations during system development and active use to…

Although Israel's educational system is centralized, the syllabi of the Department of Curriculum Planning (part of the Ministry of Education) are not compulsory. Curriculum facilitators are used as the link between the Department of Curriculum Planning and the teachers in the school where the facilitator continues to teach. (RL)

In a recent survey, various methods used by kibbutz teachers in evaluating student academic progress included: (1) formative vs. summative evaluation; (2) goal-related evaluation; (3) individualized evaluation vs. uniform standard evaluation; and (4) informal evaluation. (JN)

Reports that teachers of the Crustal Evolution Education Project (CEEP) exhibit most of the characteristics typical of earth science teachers. However, their backgrounds in geology are superior to those of most earth science teachers. CEEP students tend to be academically above average. (Author/MA)

Because evaluation is an integral part of instruction, teachers should formulate specific behavioral objectives for the learner to attain. Evaluation of the final outcome usually results in a grade depicting the total achievement of the student over a specified period of time. (JN)

Reports the results of a 1977 survey of instructional supervision in many bilingual programs in California, Arizona, and Texas. Presents state-by-state profiles revealing common characteristics of the programs and the indadequacies of program supervision, which are corroborated by national study findings. Briefly discusses program evaluation and…

Formative data from a feasibility study describes the impact of two teacher education experiences on the achievement and attitude scores of low-achieving sixth-grade pupils who were taught a unit on functions by the teacher trainees. (Author/SD)

Describes the peer observation program developed by faculty at California State University, Dominguez Hills, its structure and adaptations, outcomes, and recommendations for development of formative peer observation programs. The program helps reduce faculty professional isolation by providing an informal structure for discussion of teaching and…

Presents the Teacher Evaluation Check List, containing items related to the disposition, knowledge, and skills of teachers in the areas of: (1) working with children; (2) planning environment and curriculum; (3) working with childrens' families; (4) working with co-workers; and (5) professional development and advocacy. The checklist charts…

Reviews evaluations of CAL (computer-assisted learning) in use at the University of Glasgow (Scotland). Topics include methods used; prior knowledge; learning motivation; attitude measures; confidence logs; knowledge quizzes; study habits; Hawthorne effects; formative, summative, illuminative, and integrative evaluation; quality assurance…