Purpose: This paper aims to examine some of the strengths and weaknesses of the use of online tools such as wikis and blogs for assessment purposes, with the aim of proposing future developments and improvements. Design/methodology/approach: The paper utilises a case study approach by examining the outcomes of a new first-year course for all…

Numerous instructional design models have been proposed over the past several decades. Instead of focusing on the design process (means), this study investigated how learners perceived the quality of instruction they experienced (ends). An electronic survey instrument containing nine a priori scales was developed. Students responded from 89…

This article deals with the problem of how to construct effective tests based on stated instructional outcomes. (AA)

Characterized by its establishment of desirable outcomes in language arts instruction for pupils of each grade level, K-12, this guide presents a sequentially-structured program of active student participation and flexible, individualized instruction. The first chapter lists basic concepts for language, language development, and the purposes and…

The potential value and limitations of contrastive linguistic analysis (CLA) in pedagogical application are examined in this article. Attempts to quantify learning tasks in the modes of difference and difficulty are illustrated by the use of four diagrams: (1) a method of computing actual learning tasks, (2) two contrastive continuums, (3) a…

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through…

Educational assessment in higher education as seen by those who have a key part in the process is considered, with reference to the British system. Ways in which the assessment of students can be categorized, and the need for every assessor to have a clear and explicit purpose are addressed, along with the principles of fairness, validity, and…

An outline for a course in developing speed and accuracy in transcribing dictation from machine to typewriter is presented. The instructional objectives are: (1) to improve language arts skills and proofreading competencies; (2) to acquire occupational abilities; and (3) to develop an awareness of word processing career opportunities and an…

Suggests that it is time to shift away from 'syllabuses' and 'teaching a course' towards the student's learning experience in designing degree courses. (PG)

A discussion of goal specification and evaluation as a beginning point for the formative evaluation of a university course for departmentalprogram. (Author)

A two-part trainee study guide for use in the classroom phase of the Emergency Vehicle Operation (EVO) training program is provided. Part 1, to be taken by all trainees, contains seven units organized into various subunits and includes the following: (1) introduction to the course; (2) some legal aspects of emergency vehicle operation (state…

This booklet gives the rationale and objectives of the Science: Grades K-6 course developed by the North Carolina Public Schools. It is designed to give an outline for introducing the program to principals and teachers. A set of transparencies is available for use with it. The program suggested closely follows the conceptual schemes developed by…

At Tacoma Community College (Washington) a chemistry course was taught using instructional objectives. This document describes the course in terms of writing the objectives, instructional procedures and student attitudes. The instructor's overall conclusions were: (1) student reaction to the use of instructional objectives was very favorable; (2)…

Presents the results of a questionnaire administered to college chemistry students; the questionnaire contained a list of 33 aims of chemistry course that were rated by the students according to importance. (MLH)

Nine objectives are outlined that have either been reported on by teachers in the field or that seem to be pertinent to death education. Focus is on the premise that the format and content of courses follow the goals selected. Questions of who should teach, when and what format are discussed. (Author/LBH)