In his book, "Identity and the Museum Visitor Experience," John Falk makes the case that by understanding the underlying motivations that drive a visitor, a museum can create an experience that reflects a person's identity and therefore satisfy their motivation for visiting. According to Falk, this level of personal connection increases…

Presents an overview of a self-directed approach to professional development. Describes the major components as self-assessment of professional strengths and learning needs, planning, and organizing activities and records for professional development. Gives reasons for, benefits from, and requirements of a self-directed approach. (Availability:…

Eight issues in planning and implementing outcomes-focused assessment are presented including: multiple measures are more desirable than a single standardized examination, faculty involvement is essential, performance-based funding should be derived from additional resources, etc. (Author/MLW)

Learner-centered literacy programs in the United States have developed a range of participatory practices for instructional and management purposes. Participation can occur on a number of levels; learner participation can serve any of three purposes: efficiency, personal development, or social change. (Editor)

Successful outcomes assessment programs have many common characteristics. Institutional researchers should examine these signs of success and use them as guides for developing their own campus programs. (Author/MSE)

Needs assessment is seen as a viable tool to assist administrators and faculty members concerned about meeting client and community needs for programs. The identification and assessment of instructional program needs is discussed. A definition of need is provided. (Author/MLW)

This article (1) defines "experiential learning" and some of its properties, purposes, and forms; (2) proposes a framework for thinking about evaluating educational programs; and (3) offers recommendations for future research to explore the value of experiential learning, guide program development, and increase knowledge about youth socialization…

A model of program development and evaluation was developed at Genesee Community College, utilizing a system theory/process of deductive and inductive reasoning to ensure coherence and continuity within the program. The model links activities to specific measurable outcomes. Evaluation checks and feedback are built in at various levels so that…

Career programs should be designed as instructional systems, with strategies and instruments for assessing student performance and outcomes developed early in the program development process, as soon as the exit abilities of graduates are defined and before the curricular and instructional patterns are established. (MSE)

Examines three major decision elements in the program design process: (1) learner participation patterns, (2) educational provider characteristics, and (3) instructional design models. Each shapes and directs the actions of the program designer and the program outcomes. (JOW)

Reflects on the development of transition planning and services for students with disabilities. Discusses legislative changes mandating transition services and describes current conditions and outcomes for youth in transition. Identifies transformative collaboration and other themes that have implications for improvement of transition services.…

Outcomes assessment reduced to its simplest definition is quality control. Characteristics of the new Accreditation Standards for Dental Education Programs include: patient oriented, take a definite posture in relation to the specialties, create a minimally educated practitioner, are process oriented, and provide a form of quality assurance in…

Reflects on the role of service education, suggesting that a comprehensive program might include locating service education within a social context, offering community service and service learning projects, developing a service education climate through projects fully integrated into a given teacher's academic curriculum, incorporating both social…

This paper describes seven ideas that would help a literacy program work well. Some examples are given to show how each idea could be used in different parts of a literacy program. Some questions are also listed that could stimulate discussion about each idea. The seven quality guidelines or ideas are as follows: (1) community focus--a good…

After the Castro revolution of 1959, the new Cuban revolutionary government began a massive literacy campaign that taught 700,000 persons to read in about a year. Twenty years later, Nicaragua, facing an even more serious literacy problem, conducted a similar literacy campaign. In approximately six months, Nicaragua had reduced illiteracy by 37…