Factors involved in pre-planned and post-planned evaluation of program effectiveness are compared: (1) reliability and cost of data; (2) internal and external validity; (3) obtrusiveness and threat; (4) goal displacement and program direction. A model to help program administrators decide which approach is more appropriate is presented. (Author/MH)

Strasser and Deniston's own analysis (TM 504 254) shows that post-planned evaluations are unsuitable substitutes for pre-planned evaluations. When viewed as post-experimental interviews, however, post-planned evaluations can produce valuable information which complements traditional experimental and quasi-experimental evaluations. (MH)

Collecting patient morbidity information in academic ambulatory practice is useful for research, practice management, and evaluation and planning of educational programs. Three methods of morbidity data collection were compared to determine which was most accurate. (Author/MLW)

Educational systems evaluation is a cyclical process of delineating, obtaining, and providing information for judging decision alternatives. As such, it encompasses much more than measurement. Methods for evaluating systems must be developed, because activities and orientations at this level differ from those of individual students, curricula, or…

The Introductory Sociology Survey (ISS) is designed to teach introductory students basic skills in developing causal arguments and in using a computerized statistical package to analyze survey data. Students are given codebooks for survey data and asked to write a brief paper predicting the relationship between at least two variables. (Author)

In this project, students in marriage and family courses analyze their families sociologically. Using a list of areas to be considered, students conduct an analysis which teaches them sociological terminology and theory in an enjoyable manner. (Author)

What factors can influence a student's decision to go on to higher education? Does he always receive adequate guidance in making his choice of course and institution? (Editor)

Describes the efforts of the Netherlands Universities Foundation for International Cooperation to develop an international center for the promotion of university cooperation. (Author/RK)

Approaches children's learning in learning science based on skilled observation by professional teachers, rather than on tests devised by outside agencies. (Editor/RK)

Suggests ten major factors that may influence students' feelings about and participation in activity programs. (Author/RK)

Continuous observational recording over 57 hours evaluated behavior states of three adults with profound and multiple disabilities. Two independent observers also recorded for 22 hours. Although overall percentage agreement was satisfactory (above 80%), agreement on occurrence was unsatisfactory (mean of 65%). Agreement data were superimposed on…

Describes a study of the teaching of junior secondary French in Queensland schools. The key questions in the study regarding how communicative Australians are and should be are considered through empirical data collected in four junior secondary French classes over two years. The study involved observation and analysis of classroom interaction.…

Presents activities having to do with data generation, organization, interpretation, representation, drawing conclusions, and making predictions on the basis of data which students have collected. (ASK)

Provides background information on the Science Education Quantitative Literacy (SEQL) project that is designed to enhance student laboratory experiences by working together on data collection and analysis. Includes details of an activity from the project curriculum on how many drops of water can be placed on a penny. (DDR)

Investigated the relationship between Chinese character recognition and production by second-language learners. Subjects were 47 first-year Chinese language students in the United States. (15 references) (Author/CK)