Reviews how medical teachers can assess the climate or overall ambience of their medical education environment. Suggests climate research studies that medical teachers might undertake. Presents some methodologies that might be employed in such studies. Promotes action research by medical teachers to improve the quality of medical education. (TW)

The author perceives the field of evaluation to be changing in several significant ways: (1) support for planning efforts is diminishing; (2) numbers of full-time staff working on these projects is diminishing; (3) personnel specialists are becoming generalists; (4) specialties are becoming blurred; and (5) conceptual and technical paradigms are…

Examines the performance of ethnic minority students on Rubin's CCAI, with a view toward discovering potential cultural biases embedded in the instrument. Concludes that such biases appear to exist. (MS)

Discusses an academic reading course for students of business and management in Tunisia. The article describes student reactions to teaching materials, attempts to explain the causes of these reactions, and shows how curriculum developers revised the materials to the satisfaction of students and teachers. (Author/SED)

A multifaceted assessment process used at a women's college (Alverno) allows the development of each student to be observed and improved as she moves through the curriculum. A corresponding evaluation process allows the curriculum content to be validated against external, real-world standards. (Author/MSE)

Six articles on music and computing address development of computer-based music technology, computer assisted instruction (CAI) in ear training and music fundamentals, a machine-independent data structure for musical pitch relationship representation, touch tablet input device in a melodic dictation CAI game, and systematic evaluation strategies…

Outlines innovations associated with development of a learning environment designed around problem-solving/situation-improving strategies for farming and other agricultural systems at Australia's Hawkesbury Agricultural College. The situation at the school is described; observations and reflections are noted; and conceptualizations and actions for…

A national survey of liberal arts colleges' institutional policies and practices in evaluating faculty performance and classroom teaching, focusing on the changes in evaluation since 1978, is reported. Factors considered, their frequency of use, and sources of information for evaluation are examined. (MSE)

A system of evaluating faculty performance in research and scholarly activity, service, and teaching by awarding points for specific activities is outlined. The point system is used to distribute merit monies allotted by the university. Advantages of the system include predictability, specificity, and flexibility for faculty to develop individual…

Tries to develop a method for empirical evaluations of the impact of a school system on measurable cognitive and affective outcomes in students. Concentrates on the Partial Least Squares (PLS) methodology, and illustrates the potential of PLS for system analysis. (BW)

All schools need to constantly reflect on the quality of their work and the progress and achievements that they make over time. The primary goal of an accountability system is to help schools improve through critical self-reflection. It enables students, teachers, and other members of the school community to evaluate their practices, especially…

Finding ways to improve the design of large-scale tests is a timely issue. Recent changes in Federal legislation (including the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) have placed greater emphasis on accountability via large-scale tests. Students who have previously been exempted from large-scale assessments, including students with disabilities and…

The author of this book combs through brain research and pulls out the information that is most valid and relevant to classroom teaching. It describes how to enhance students' memory and test-taking abilities and presents ways to captivate and hold students' attention and encourage their participation and progress. This is the first book ever…

The reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act, commonly refereed to as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), require states to demonstrate that all public schools make adequate yearly progress (AYP) with respect to student academic achievement. The measurement unit is schools and the following four subgroups within each school:…

Meeting a growing need among human service and education professionals, this book presents empirically supported guidelines for delivering effective services to 3- to 12-year-olds with aggression and conduct problems. The volume begins by reviewing the characteristics and developmental pathways of children with aggression and conduct problems. The…