This action research project evaluated a program to improve student motivation. The targeted population consisted of sixth- and eleventh-grade students in grammar/literature, physical education, and social studies classes in suburban Chicago. Three interventions were selected: incorporation of multiple intelligence strategies, implementation of…

The literature on college faculty in 1996 has increased; however, two themes described in the practice literature--identifying and rewarding exemplary teaching and experimental pedagogies--are only minimally represented in the research literature. The Carnegie Foundation, the American Association for Higher Education, and the Council for the…

This paper describes an approach for expanding assessment opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of content. The targeted population consisted of elementary and junior high school students in two schools in a growing middle-class community in north central Illinois. The elementary school enrolled 467 students and the junior…

This booklet is designed to help parents and community members answer questions about assessment in the context of the Vermont Framework of Standards, the Equal Education Opportunity Act of 1997, and other statewide initiatives. Assessment is changing in Vermont in response to new legislative mandates that call for standards-based assessment…

A knowledge monitoring assessment (KMA) was developed and evaluated. The KMA, which evaluates how well students distinguish between what they know and do not know by comparing their knowledge estimates to test performance, is partially performance based and may be group or computer administered and objectively scored. Participants were 462…

Although research on the effects of K-12 single-sex education is inconclusive in general, some common themes emerge in the research literature. This Digest reviews that research with particular attention to effects on girls' attitudes and achievement. The Digest first discusses attitudinal variables (i.e., self-esteem and attitudes toward academic…

Tests are being used widely, and misused widely, to evaluate students, teachers, principals, and other educational administrators. This short primer on testing and assessment is organized into three parts. Part 1, "Essential Statistical Terms," introduces some statistics that are essential to understanding testing concepts and for…

The velocity, stroke rate, and distance per stroke of l68 male high school students in Japan were studied before and after they received training in the breaststroke. The increase in their swimming velocity resulted from an increase in the distance covered per stroke, not from a faster stroke rate. (Author/PP)

The ultimate criterion of effective teaching is evidence of impact upon student learning. Three purposes of evaluations are identified: to help faculty improve, to make personnel decisions rewarding good teachers and getting rid of those who are not, and to help students choose courses more wisely. (MLW)

All teacher evaluation forms completed in the arts and sciences division of a large community college were analyzed. Multiple regression was used to predict teacher rating. Items relating to teacher characteristics as perceived by the students (e.g., "tries to help students understand," etc.) had a consistant impact on rating. (Author/MLW)

Four aspects of faculty self-evaluation are discussed: its relationship to student ratings and teacher characteristics; its use for personnel decisions and improving performance; sample self-evaluation forms and their proper use; and faculty growth contracts. (MSE)

Describes a study of faculty evaluation procedures and practices in selected New York community colleges. Offers guidelines for minimizing negative consequences of adversary faculty-administrator relationships found in most faculty evaluation systems. Recommends a system based on 15 considerations (e.g., faculty involvement; publicized purposes;…

Investigated influence of sex-related contextual nature of tasks (male-related, female-related, and content-free tasks) and perceived difficulty of these tasks on logical reasoning of Nigerian high school students (N=70). Results indicated that males scored higher than females on male-related tasks and females scored higher on female-related…

The relationships among scores on traditional college entrance tests and scores on an essay placement test for women and men and four ethnic groups were examined. The tests correlated highly with essay performance. However, women tended to be underestimated and men and ethnic minorities overestimated by these measures. (Author/PN)

Describes a self-instructional career orientation program, Moving On, based on a series of developmental activities emphasizing experiential learning. Users begin with self-assessments of interests and later actively carry out the processes of researching occupational information and selecting an occupational goal. (RC)