Formative evaluation is a means of improving instructional materials through tryouts and revision. An investigation to determine the influence of learners and experts on the improvement of written instructional materials determined that revised versions incorporating learner feedback had the most impact on improving learning and that revisers have…

Outlines a workshop to develop and discuss strategies for formative evaluation of courseware and to create evaluation tools appropriate to those strategies. After watching a software demonstration, small groups devised evaluation strategies. Two approaches were identified: one to evaluate the software and printed material separately and together,…

Reports outcomes of a collaborative research project designed to investigate and develop formative classroom assessment in British primary schools. Aims to build on basic research, already conducted by university researchers, by investigating issues from a practical and applied perspective. Reports on changes in classroom practice. (BT)

Describes the electronic portfolio system developed at the University of Michigan to give each student, faculty member, and staff member lifelong ownership and control of an individual electronic portfolio. Describes the system's design standards and the range of formative and summative evaluation activities the portfolio supports. (SLD)

Computers can offer valuable assistance in the development and administration of personalized tests. This article provides an overview of different types of conventional and personalized tests and explores computerized adaptive testing. Also proposes a specific methodology for managing diagnostic adaptive tests and a hypertext system (HyperDelfi)…

A task related to knowledge and beliefs was completed by 154 researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates. Greater expertise led to more varied views. Common beliefs and misconceptions can be made explicit through appropriate formative assessment and a focus on transformative learning. (SK)

This action research project sought to enhance assessment for learning, focusing on a "mini-viva" whereby students explained and justified to the instructor selected aspects of their assignment after it was submitted but before grading. Found that student reaction was generally positive but there were some limitations of the method. (EV)

Reviews 15 years of progress in three psychometric research areas: latent dimensionality structure, test fairness, and skills diagnosis through educational tests. Also discusses an effective model for selecting and carrying out research. Describes a new assessment paradigm that embraces skills level formative assessment. (SLD)

Conducted a formative research study designed to elicit preferences for sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV prevention programs from clients at a midwestern STD clinic. Responses of 126 participants show preferences for mixed group or individual meetings with counselors, with extensive intervention less favored than single sessions. Discusses…

The effects of individualized written feedback, oral group feedback, and no feedback on learning music were evaluated in a study of 80 secondary level students. Findings indicate that oral group information feedback promotes significantly more learning than does individualized written feedback or no feedback. (JD)

Describes and reflects on the faculty evaluation efforts of one midwestern community college. Examines some of the inherent differences between four-year and two-year institutions. Supports the use of formative faculty evaluation. (MM)

The methodology and design of the process evaluation system of the Pawtucket Heart Health Program (an 11-year project for changing/documenting change in cardiovascular disease risk status of a northeastern city's residents) are described. Examples of the system's use are provided. The maintenance of such a system without substantial evaluation…

Discusses issues concerning the formative evaluation process in instructional design models. Distinctions between formative and summative evaluation are described; expert evaluation and student evaluation techniques are explained; the status of formative evaluation is examined; and connoisseurship as evaluation is considered, including the…

Following media recruitment campaign, WIN at Home, series of diet-related booklets mailed to participants, was evaluated through survey of 226 participants (75 percent). Results showed that 97 percent learned about program through media, women were more likely to learn about it from personal sources, 57 percent shared information with spouses, and…

Describes nature and usefulness of process evaluation techniques, stressing their importance in understanding why and how drug treatment programs succeed and fail. Specific aspects of process evaluation discussed include topics for conducting such analyses, diverse data sources which should be accessed in thorough process evaluation, and decision…