The concepts of need and needs assessment are examined in the context of information needs for college administrators. A description is included of the conceptual framework underlying the Needs Assessment Information System (NAIS), which was developed by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems. Attention is directed to: (1)…

This manual outlines and explains procedures for conducting a study of the exact content and requirements of jobs in order to develop an information base for students to use in evaluating their suitability for given jobs. Addressed in the first half of the guide are the following topics: the meaning of the term job study, the image of a job,…

This manual describes a project (a joint, cooperative venture among local businesses, Roberta B. Tully School--Louisville, Kentucky--and the Kentucky State Office of Vocational Education) that outlines the process for beginning a community-based vocational education program for mentally, physically, and multiply handicapped students. Section I…

This guide is intended for use in conducting a review of adult and community educational programs. The procedures explained in the manual are geared toward conducting a program evaluation that is intended to (1) serve as an educational tool that program practitioners can use in gaining a better understanding of the ways in which their program…

This report summarizes the work of the Georgia Express project staff and the five task teams that provided research services to the Georgia Task Force on Adult Education. (The purpose of the Task Force was to review Georgia Adult Education's current goals, objectives, and procedures and to make recommendations for program improvement.) The report…

Describes eight applications of the use of computers in teaching chemistry. Includes discussions of audio frequency measurements of heat capacity ratios, quantum mechanics, ab initio calculations, problem solving using spreadsheets, simplex optimization, faradaic impedance diagrams, and the recording and tabulation of student laboratory data. (TW)

This booklet gives smaller adult and community learning (ACL) providers and their partners a practical insight into how to adapt current approaches to quality improvement for their own institutions. The first sections set out how they can do the following: plan the process; collect, collate, and analyze data; make value judgements and act upon…

A discussion of survey methodology for investigating second language programs and instruction examines two methods: oral interviews and written questionnaires. Each method is defined, and variations are explored. For interviews, this includes individual, group, and telephone interviews. For questionnaires, this includes self-administered and…

This booklet contains 10 papers addressed to teachers wishing to make the case for service learning through action research on their own service learning programs. "Introduction" (Jay Smink) examines the need for teacher-based action research and evaluation. "Connect Service with Evaluation for Good Learning" (Robert D. Shumer) explains the…

Attempts to document the process of being immersed in the discipline of visual art making by presenting excerpts from an artist's studio diary. Includes post-diary commentaries on the excerpts and a discussion of how this process informed the artwork. Includes photographs of artworks produced during this period. (MJP)

This paper examines considerations for designing a postschool follow-up system in secondary special education, focusing on survey research techniques and special applications of survey methodologies, including data collection techniques, questionnaire construction, sample design and contact, response rates, and tracking procedures. Design and…

Describes a five-step process by which preschool teachers can meet the individual needs of all children, including those with disabilities, while maintaining a group instructional format. The process links assessment to curriculum, has planned teacher-directed individualized group instruction, implements behavior management techniques, and…

This glossary includes terms used in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). IPEDS is the core postsecondary education data collection program of the United States Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics. The IPEDS system is built around a series of interrelated surveys that collect institution-level…

This guide, which was adapted from a 1987 evaluation guide for bilingual vocational training, is intended for directors, staff, and evaluators of local adult and vocational education programs. It presents an overall framework that program staff and evaluators can use to help establish the scope of their evaluations and meet their local evaluation…

This paper explores the concept of benchmarking in institutional research, a comparative analysis methodology designed to help colleges and universities increase their educational quality and delivery systems. The primary purpose of benchmarking is to compare an institution to its competitors in order to improve the product (in this case…