Visual evaluation techniques provide the kinesiologist with a method of evaluating physical skill performance. The techniques are divided into five categories: (1) vantage point; (2) movement simplification; (3) balance and stability; (4) movement relationships; and (5) range of movement. (JN)

The assessment of behavior patterns and levels of functioning of visually handicapped students is essential for establishing effective educational programs. The article discusses the factors in formative assessment, the types of data to be collected, and the most appropriate measurement instruments that are available to evaluate a variety of…

Participation, empowerment, and sustainability are basic tenets of community development work of the Inter-American Foundation, but these are difficult to measure. The Grassroots Development Framework breaks these concepts into concrete, measurable components to evaluate sustainability over time and short-term cost/efficiency results of community…

Describes a project to explore how mathematics teachers can use assessment of students' learning to shape their own instructional practices. The project had two goals: (1) to make sense of what students understand, how they understand it, and what counts as evidence of understanding; and (2) to use analysis of materials that document students'…

Introduces a theme issue on reflective practice in California's Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment program. Papers highlight: state policy mandating teacher reflection; the California Formative Assessment and Support System for Teachers; teacher skills and beliefs for promoting reflective practice in novice teachers; beginning teachers'…

Discussion of the importance of cultural considerations in instructional design focuses on audio messages in multimedia materials. Describes the development of a Web-based audio instructional series by a consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including planning, context selection, implementation, cost effectiveness, formative…

Many current assessment practices are incompatible with the goals of independence, thoughtfulness and critical analysis; common forms of assessment are not consistent with the behavior of academics in their own contributions to knowledge; and the assessment policy of many departments undermines approaches to learning. (Author/MLW)

Teacher-directed versus student-oriented remediation methods in high school physics classes in Nigeria were compared using 121 fifth-form students. Formative, achievement, and intelligence tests were administered. Teacher-directed remediation treatment enhanced learning and was more effective than was a student-oriented method. (TJH)

Reports on design and rationale of Online Access to Knowledge, a computer intermediary developed by Online Access to Knowledge Project to enable users with little or no training or experience in bibliographic searching to conduct their own searches. Topics covered include software design, tutorials and assistance programs, and conclusions based on…

Discusses the nature and function of formative assessment in the development of students' expertise for evaluating the quality of their own work. Highlights include the transition from teacher-supplied feedback to learner self-monitoring; qualitative judgments; communicating standards to students; multicriterion judgments; and implications for the…

Description of study conducted to establish a profile of guidelines presented in professional literature for the evaluation and revision of instructional materials emphasizes content, design, and presentation. Formative and summative evaluation are discussed; input from users, learners, and experts is described; and appendixes include a list of…

Discusses total quality management as a holistic model of improvement for education which can be integrated with other school restructuring models. Elements of the model are explained, including administrative support, needs assessments, quality specifications, strategic planning, and progress assessments, both formative and summative; and three…

Discussion of instructional materials that teach knowledge and skills needed for technical training focuses on cooperative development between U.S. and Canadian educators and the Agency for Instructional Technology (AIT) to produce the "Math Works" and "Principles of Technology" materials. Learning skills are discussed, and…

Presents the elementary-level formative evaluation method of functional diagnosis that gives students immediate feedback on completed assignments. Gives three examples of the method as observed in the classrooms of master teachers: putting red dots next to problems needing attention; paired learning, and student answer keys. (MDH)

This qualitative study evaluated the cognitive style construct field-dependent/independent as a selection criteria for student subjects for formative evaluation of instructional material. Four college students interacting with a computer-assisted instruction package were observed, and data on subject readiness, researcher/subject interactions,…