Reviews seven software programs: (1) "Science Baseball: Biology" (testing a variety of topics); (2) "Wildways: Understanding Wildlife Conservation"; (3) "Earth Science Computer Test Bank"; (4) "Biology Computer Test Bank"; (5) "Computer Play & Learn Series" (a series of drill and test…

The reliability and validity of a cloze procedure used as an English-as-a-second-language (ESL) test in China were improved by applying traditional item analysis and selection techniques. The 'best' test items were chosen on the basis of item facility and discrimination indices, and were administered as a 'tailored cloze.' 29 references listed.…

Reports the results of research that used descriptor subfiles in the online version of "MLA Bibliography" to quantify literary warrant in the domain of scholarly work about fiction. Topics discussed include domain analysis; the interaction between literary works, scholars, and library classification systems; and further research…

A discussion of the use of sign language interpreters for deaf college students looks at the interpreter's role, classroom organization, pacing of speech, testing, and class discussion. Teachers are encouraged to use the interpreter's presence and expertise as an opportunity to reassess and enhance classroom communication dynamics. (MSE)

Focuses on a real world technique used to teach language proficiency in the classroom. This method involves creating deliberate information and opinion gaps by administering pop quizzes and other communicative games and filling those gaps through cooperative action. Use of this technique generated heated discussion among students. (nine…

Presents a meta-analysis of research concerning the effectiveness of learner control in tutorial computer-assisted instruction based on a model of control as decision making plus information. Results are discussed which suggest that instructional design in learner control research should be based on model building rather than hypothesis testing.…

Investigates differences between English-as-a-Foreign-Language students at two levels of reading comprehension performance with respect to the global and analytic reading styles. No significant differences were found with regard to meaning memorization. There were slightly significant differences in favor of the global style with reference to…

Examines research on how technology can be used to support innovative teaching. Highlights focus on student interests and increased student participation, technology-supported cooperative learning, staff development, alternate forms of testing and emphasis on higher level thinking skills, and the importance of collaborative research in real-world…

This commentary on EC 608 301 points out that devotion to the natural science canon of experimental proof in the area of generality testing requires proof procedures that are difficult, expensive, or impossible, but adopting a different canon of proof will not produce the desired certainty about the accuracy of the answer. (JDD)

Some unfinished issues relating to achievement test theory that seemed implicit in the basic idea of criterion-referenced testing are reviewed, recognizing their importance in current studies of authentic assessment and performance-based tests. The future of performance-based evaluation is explored. (SLD)

Differences in the Texas Teacher Appraisal System scores of teacher subgroups over 2 years were examined for 2,366 teachers for scores on individual domains, sums of scores of the 1st 4 domains, and overall summary performance scores, as well as appraiser differences. Implications for teacher evaluation are discussed. (SLD)

Examined the effects of taking notes during a listening comprehension test containing short monologues. A multiple-choice questionnaire surveyed student reaction to the opportunity. Allowing students to take notes had little effect on their performance, and urging them to do so significantly impaired it. (16 references) (Author/CK)

Using data from a college-level history exam, this study illustrated how assessment of women's academic achievement can be distorted by using tests as measures of student outcomes. It is recommended that use of such tests be limited to examining curricular shortcomings, not evaluating student proficiency. The test is appended. (Author/MSE)

Discusses a questionnaire designed to measure parents' perceptions of their child's developmental and academic histories, classroom learning characteristics, and previous foreign language learning. Results suggest parents' perceptions may provide helpful screening information to foreign language teachers. (51 references) (Author/CK)

This study compared the performance of English-speaking children attending French schools (bilingual group) on phonological awareness tests with same age English-speaking children attending English schools. Results of the study are interpreted to reflect the role of second-language input in phonological awareness. (JL)