Compared the quality of experience for children attending part-time nursery at different times of the day, focusing particularly on storytime. Findings suggest the two sessions are not of equal value to the children, that children may not be performing as well in the afternoon, and that traditional group storytime may not be as effective for the…

Discusses the development of Minerva, a command-and-control training simulator that uses a multimedia computer network to exercise senior decision makers in crisis management at the Metropolitan Police Service (London). Examines the learning environment, programs, performance reviews, training scenarios, and technology. (AEF)

Maintains that, throughout U.S. educational history, expectations of what students should learn have changed only a few times. Discusses competency-based education in social studies and curriculum standards established by the Illinois State Board of Education. Includes criteria standards for social studies. (CFR)

This study investigated the effects of teachers' psychological presence on writing task engagement in students reporting low and high levels of linguistic self-efficacy. Results found that teachers play important roles in shaping students' task-related engagement, with a complex relationship between teachers' pedagogical beliefs and practices and…

Shares some lessons learned from performance-based assessment in the health professions, using four performance-based assessment methods as examples: (1) written clinical simulations (patient-management problems); (2) computer-based clinical simulations; (3) oral examinations; and (4) standardized patients (live simulations). (SLD)

The five articles of this theme issue focus on new developments in the evaluation of science education programs that have both substantive and theoretical implications for the field of evaluation. Past and current evaluation approaches are reviewed, and an overview is given of new assessments consistent with new curriculum developments. (SLD)

This study of 25 children, ages 2-15, who survived a cardiac arrest while hospitalized, found that a majority of subjects exhibited low-average to deficient levels of performance on neuropsychologic, achievement, and adaptive behavior measures. Duration of cardiac arrest and a medical risk score were significantly correlated with decreased…

Examines perceptions of 80 teacher interns and their supervising teachers for interrelationships between job satisfaction, job performance, and role clarity. Data show that interns' self-assessed performance mediates relationship between role clarity and job satisfaction. Emphasizes role of self-assessment scales and job restructuring to improve…

For years, College Board has been promoting and publicizing necessary pathways to postsecondary education. Even bolder step is EQUITY 2000--demanding program of prealgebra, algebra, and geometry designed to ensure minority students' success in vigorous high school mathematics programs. Pacesetter initiative aims to make high-standards curriculum,…

Delineates key features of four European projects designed to consider the effects of assessment on student motivation and academic achievement. Focuses on the experiences and needs of less successful students and how assessment may contribute to poor performance. Highlights concerns for changes in education that will promote high-risk student…

Two studies are reported in which supervisor observations of teachers' performance rate and accuracy were found to result in positive changes in teacher performance and the behaviors of their severely handicapped students (ages 6-21), when compared with baseline supervisor observations that did not specify rate and accuracy feedback. (Author/JDD)

Discusses examinations as the major determinant of student behavior and suggests that no improvement in the effectiveness of biochemistry courses will occur until examinations are so integrated into the educational process that they reinforce educational objectives. Includes discussions on self-education, cooperation between students, and problem…

Describes the author's 10 years of experiences with the Student Exam Review Committee (SERC) that he formulated in response to intrinsic difficulties with examinations generated for large sections of college science courses. Discusses the selection of committee members, preexam input by the whole class, the committee's exam review process, and…

A study of 869 faculty in 18 Australian higher education institutions found no relationship or a negative correlation between (1) teachers' reported commitment to undergraduate teaching and (2) publishing and research activities at the individual and department levels. Implications for policy and student course choice are discussed. (Author/MSE)

This training module is intended to clarify the notion of portfolio assessment and help users design such assessments. The rationale for assessment alternatives is presented; and portfolio definitions, characteristics, pitfalls, and design considerations are reviewed. The use of portfolios in large-scale assessments is particularly demanding of…