States communication programs are expected to operate in some harmony with communication activities of organizations outside the university in professional settings. Describes one possible activity in this matrix: use of student internships as a means of assessing the communication program. Presents a case study involving public relations…

During fall semester of their senior year, preservice elementary teachers evaluated their mastery of mathematics and teaching methods and wrote an autobiography of their school mathematics experiences. This process helped the prospective teachers gain insight into their own strengths and weaknesses and improved rapport with the methods course…

Discusses uses learning logs for student assessment. Defines learning logs. Discusses structuring the logs; student voices and responses; a map drawing assignment; and using logs for evaluation. (RS)

Discusses a teacher's reactions when a student commented on the teacher's short story. Discusses dealing with feedback, the vulnerability of writers, and attitude changes. Claims that writing with students shifted the focus of the teacher's writing instruction and the focus of students' writing. (RS)

Addresses the traditional understanding of reliability as it pertains to writing portfolio assessments. Offers a list of practical actions that can be taken to increase assessment reliability, including explicit definitions of what a portfolio holds, rater training, rater burnout, and consistent rating procedures. (Contains 26 references.) (NB)

Argues that, in implementing non-traditional assessment methods, educators should first determine the significant learning outcomes of courses and whether the methods are right for those outcomes. Presents a three-step process for designing and implementing the right set of assessments and describes two examples illustrating the use of the…

Argues that rather than excuse students with special needs from testing, educators should allow them to participate, provided appropriate interventions are granted. Suggests that testing can become a valuable learning experience. Provides test-taking strategies for special needs students, such as using a multisensory approach when studying,…

Discusses the use of portfolio assessment strategies for more lengthy, complex, and authentic student assessments. Reports on an investigation to determine the effectiveness of portfolio strategies. Also discusses two group comparisons, student perceptions of portfolio assessment, and concerns. Concludes that portfolio assessment procedures…

Contends that assessment should be about improving instruction. Proposes that educators should be informed about the benefits and limitations of both alternative assessments and standardized tests. Informs educators of Internet resources available to assist in this endeavor. Provides an annotated list of 16 Web sites that provide general…

A collage with pictorial and verbal stimuli to assess life skills of young workers was developed using a framework for alternative assessment and stimuli instruments. The instrument was evaluated using Bloom's taxonomy for the cognitive domain and Krathwohl et al.'s taxonomy for the affective domain. (Contains 16 references.) (SK)

Considers long term possibilities of alternative forms of assessment. Traces the development of the records of achievement movement in Britain. Examines government initiatives in implementing alternative methods of assessment. Reports findings of the National Evaluation Project which favor the use of Records of Achievement. Considers the future of…

Great Britain's General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) is an innovative further education program that is empowering students and outstripping enrollment projections. In 1992-93, GNVQ was piloted in five vocational areas: business, health and social care, leisure and tourism, art and design, and manufacturing. Under GNVQ, assessment by…

Describes a project using computer and video technology to help students understand the criteria that were used to evaluate their statistics projects. (MKR)

Outlines the different alternative assessment strategies used by different biology instructors at Florida State University, each teaching a section of a new biology course for prospective elementary and early childhood teachers. Provides suggestions for similar relatively small classes as well as for large college classes. (JRH)

Examines the idea of students presenting evidence of having done real scientific work in high school. Discusses the status of science education in the broader educational context. Discusses historical background, moving science assessment into the mainstream, science and the New Standards project, and encouraging signs for science education. (RS)