The presence and extent of overlap between checklist and written scores using data for over 400 medical students in 6 classes on an examination including clinical encounter stations with standardized patients were studied. Eighty-three cases used both measures. Written scores provide information in addition to that of the checklists. (SLD)

The performance of two adults, one with moderate and one with severe mental retardation, in a community employment site was compared. Results indicated that both participants learned to perform the target tasks equally well though the individual with severe mental retardation required substantially more training. (DB)

A controlled experimental study tested the relative effects of computer-mediated and person-mediated feedback on the task performance and motivation of 97 undergraduate students. Results show students prefer computer-mediated feedback, that feedback may reduce motivation, and that person-mediated feedback may debilitate the performance of…

This study videotaped 58 university students in coeducational volleyball classes to determine what happens in physical education classes to improve student achievement. Results show that physical education teachers must increase the number and quality of learning trials to enhance motor skill proficiency.(SM)

Nineteen special educators implemented Curriculum-Based Measurement with a total of 36 learning-disabled math pupils in grades 2-8 to examine the effects of goal line feedback. Results indicated comparable levels and slopes of student performance across treatment conditions, although goal line feedback was associated with greater performance…

This study reports on 306 Australian faculty members' experiences with TEVAL, a computerized method of student evaluation of college teaching that provides teachers with personal, confidential, and specific feedback. Teachers found the open-ended student comments more useful than quantitative results, opted to use TEVAL results in promotion…

Elementary and middle school students' perceptions of the learning environments in classes of traditionally and alternatively certified teachers were compared via an adaptation of the "My Class Inventory." Results indicate differences for several climate variables (e.g., cohesiveness and lack of friction) in favor of traditionally certified…

Testing policies and practices should be restructured to help people develop their talents and to help learning institutions become more accountable and just. Based on a qualitative survey of testing researchers and practitioners, this article discusses current trends and promising innovations, including performance assessment, holistic scoring…

Five steps for conducting a midterm evaluation of teaching rather than a standardized end-of-class evaluation are presented. Example outcomes are given, and observations about the process are discussed. Multiple values of midterm course evaluations are apparent for students, the instructor, and the designated evaluation facilitator. (SLD)

Undergraduate students (n=239) participated in group experiments measuring creative performance. Results indicated that performance was influenced by group diversity, and greatest frequency of responses occurred from individuals brainstorming independently after group brainstorming. For creativity that required responses that break away from the…

Presents an interview with Grant Wiggins, executive director of an educational consulting group. Discusses performance assessment and authenticity in testing. Addresses topics such as the student as worker, diploma as exhibition of mastery, authenticity of assessment, fairness, and skill as opposed to knowledge. Urges examining desired social…

Describes a case study to determine whether performance tests are a feasible alternative to multiple-choice tests. Examines the difficulties of administering and scoring performance assessments. Explains that the study employed three performance tests and one multiple-choice test. Concludes that performance test administration and scoring was no…

Attempting to grade Lamar Alexander's first year in office, this article assigns a "D" for the U.S. Education Secretary's seeming ignorance of funding cuts, teacher layoffs, inappropriate materials and resources, inadequate or unsafe school buildings comprising the "real world of education." Lamar also fares dismally for…

Three systems of class ranking (grades, test scores, and clinical performance evaluations) are compared, using 124 residents graduated from medical school. All three systems showed modest correlations with performance in residency, but clinical performance measures were most predictive. Reliable and valid deans' letters of recommendation could be…

Sixteen students with learning disabilities in junior high special education classrooms were given instruction in science, with levels of teacher enthusiasm manipulated. Results suggest that more enthusiastic presentations resulted in significantly higher academic achievement and lower levels of off-task behavior. (Author/JDD)