Formative evaluation of teaching is discussed, and ways of obtaining diagnostic feedback that will lead to improved teaching in large lecture classes are examined. A Teacher Behaviors Inventory is included. (MLW)

Discusses the need for evaluating the efficiency of early childhood education programs. Presents a model of educational productivity that specifies nine chief factors which require optimization to increase affective, behavioral, and cognitive learning. (Author/RWB)

Reviews the academic career of Agnes G. Doody in the speech communication field. Presents anecdotal reports, objective student evaluations, and interviews with students and colleagues. Attributes Doody's achievements to her effective communication skills, enthusiasm for the field, creative teaching methods, high academic standards, courage, and…

High school students' misunderstandings of the conceptual machine of the BASIC programming language were examined using a screening test and structured interviews to determine their understanding of fundamental concepts such as variables, assignments, loops, flow and control, and tracing and debugging. (MBR)

Using both the Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) and the Purdue University Scales, 727 undergraduates rated 32 instructors. The BARS had less halo effect, more leniency error, and lower interrater reliability. Both formats were valid. The two tests did not differ in rate discrimination or susceptibility to rating bias. (Author/GDC)

This study used three treatment conditions to examine feasibility of augmenting computer-presented learning activities for preschool children with instructional videotapes: computer activities alone, a videotape designed to improve visual discrimination with computer activities, and videotape with activities and discussion. Results indicate…

This experiment used simulated production environment to examine empirically two of five management information system design assumptions Ackoff considered erroneous: managers perform better with detailed rather than summarized reports; and managers who are satisfied with needed information perform better than those who are dissatisfied and want…

Presents an analysis of various compensation and incentive options for staffing educational programs with high-quality teachers, particularly at racially isolated schools. Questions the efficacy of merit pay policies and suggests that non-pecuniary benefits such as improved working conditions and more opportunity for advancement are as important…

A study of the reliability of student evaluation of courses and instructors at Kuwait University, and the insights into Arab educational attitudes provided by the study, are reported. (MSE)

Students acquire information about their abilities by observing the differential treatment accorded high and low achievers. They then revise their own achievement expectations and perform according to the expectations perceived. This article reports the findings of two studies of elementary school reading classes that tested hypotheses derived…

Two factors were investigated: the longitudinal nature of student ratings of instructors and the use of item banks for designing student rating questionnaires, especially for instructor feedback. (Author/MLW)

Northeast Missouri State University has developed a way of knowing its effectiveness through a method of assessment that focuses on the value added to the student's knowledge and personality. Competency testing and attitudinal assessment are used. The effects on curriculum and instruction are outlined. (MLW)

Research studies concerning how nutrition affects educational performance are examined. From a developmental perspective it seems likely that the earlier the onset and the longer the duration of the nutritional deficiency the higher the probabilities of a cognitive deficit and poor school achievement in childhood and adolescence. (RM)

In third-grade and tenth-grade subjects, results included (1) the absence of age differences in proportionalized short-term retention and (2) significant age differences in long-term retention only between groups that had received a different number of learning trials. (Author/CI)

Compares the performance of German school learners of English in a communicative writing task and of their teachers in assessing it with that of native English pupils and teachers carrying out the same task. Raises questions about the appropriate performance model for communicative tasks and the role of usage in teacher assessments. (Author/SED)