To judge the usefulness of the naturalistic method for any given evaluation circumstance, several questions about the situation should be answered. Sixteen questions, with sample answers regarding a recent evaluation situation, are presented to determine the utility of the naturalistic paradigm for a potential evaluation situation. (LMO)

Problems associated with the school psychologists traditional assessment functions and methodology are identified and contrasted with the need for assessment information that can contribute meaningfully to the formulation and evaluation of educational interventions. (Author/LMO)

Presents a checklist of criteria that could be used in a formative evaluation of films and videotapes and describes six ways of assessing the products' effects on an audience: observation, questionnaires, group interviews, expert opinions, machine evaluation, and controlled experimentation. (MBR)

This fourth installment in five-lesson tutorial on library evaluation focuses on evaluation of library programs (short-lived activities designed to meet specific needs). Highlights include seven steps in planning cycle and sample programs (reducing library noise, long-term effects of library-use instruction). Five required and suggested readings…

Describes and compares formative evaluation approaches: expert review, developmental testing, three-stage model, learner verification and revision, and general approach to formative evaluation. Discussion of differences among approaches related to duration of try-out/revision cycle and recommendations for effective acquisition of data are…

Suggests benefits of a formative evaluation approach to development of educational television. Examples are given of recent Canadian studies in this field in the areas of needs assessment, product and process development, and product utilization. Variables underlying audience responses to media materials are set in the context of attribution…

Steps used in the formative evaluation of a project designed to incorporate self-instructional materials in an introductory zoology course included techniques which: (1) involved colleagues in the material development; (2) assessed relevant student characteristics, expectations, and evaluations; and (3) were used in the examinations. (MBR)

The appropriateness of within-course time series analyses for instructor ratings and the potency of inducing rater perceptions of the rating process as an interactive variable in course evaluations were assessed. A specific positive psychological set prior to evaluation tended to produce more favorable evaluations than general, brief instructions.…

Selected findings from the formative evaluation of the "3-2-1 Contact" television series are provided. Also provided is a description of the series which attempts to harness the unique power of television to convey to youngsters the excitement and fascination of science. (JN)

Presents a strategy for evaluating public school special service programs. The process allows selected practitioners to coordinate, design, and conduct program evaluations. The nature and scope of a "Program Evaluation Team" is described, and the team process is delineated. (Author/JAC)

Investigates the use of Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs) by adjunct faculty at three Florida community colleges. A qualitative methodology, with a phenomenological approach, helped to describe the meaning that the experience of using CATs had for adjunct professors. Interviews with eighteen participants were the primary means of data…

This issues paper, sixth in a series of eight, is intended to distill formative evaluation questions on topics that are central to the development of the higher and further education information environment in the United Kingdom. In undertaking formative evaluation studies, the Formative Evaluation of the Distributed National Electronic Resource…

This study developed and formatively evaluated an instructional design theory to guide designers in selecting when and how to utilize interactions as instructional methods in a Web-based distance learning higher education environment. Research questions asked: What are the types and outcomes of interactions between participants in a Web-based…

With the popularization of the higher education in China, training of young teachers has been more and more prominent. This paper, by using the "Formative Evaluation Theory", analyzes the relationship between popularization and university young teacher training. In addition, it also profoundly discusses the two factors influencing…

This book provides a comprehensive overview of assessment used to support learning, and it makes this area accessible and understandable for a wise range of users. This unique text is a major source of practice-based theory on assessment for learning, a formative assessment to support individual development and motivate learners. Key areas covered…