In an experiment to evaluate a new library system, undergraduate psychology students were divided into an online systems group and a basic bibliographic skills group. Comparison of performance by students in each group on a literature review task indicated that the online systems group performed better on the literature review task and felt more…

The author offers opinions regarding the resources invested in evaluation and the evaluators' awareness of the need to justify the profession in terms of social utility. (GK)

Compares principles and practices of educational planning in socialist and capitalist countries, based on criticism and extensions of the discussion of educational planning by B.K. Kluchnikov in a recent issue of "Prospects," (v10 n1 p27ff, 1980). Information is also presented on socialist versus capitalist objectives for educational planning in…

Discusses some of the problems involved in social science teaching at the elementary school level, including general lack of knowledge among subject matter specialists about children, ignorance of child development specialists regarding social science disciplines, and the failure of educators to observe children's behavior before they develop and…

Reviews responses of 30 eighth grade social studies students and 30 11th grade history students to a request that they write a definition of religion. The mass confusion indicated in the responses is intended as a reminder to social studies teachers to define concepts in the context of their use. (DB)

Reviews current approaches to the examination of medical students' clinical competence, mentioning differences in approaches adopted in Australia, Great Britain, and North America. Test methods used in examination are discussed critically and their separate strengths and weaknesses are highlighted. Newer approaches involving multiple methods and…

Discusses a project in which quantitative and qualitative methodologies were combined in an evaluation of the High School Education Law Project (HELP) in Australia. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation were combined in several aspects of the study including field testing of preliminary versions of HELP materials, further evaluation work on…

Data collected by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on 9-, 13-, and 17-year olds for two periods of time show a decline on items dealing with political knowledge and attitudes; but a gain in ability to describe ways to avoid future wars. (Author/MLF) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results…

The philosophies of House and Rawls are examined as they apply to evaluation practices. It is argued that the relevance of philosophy to evaluation is its sharpening of the sensitivity and intuitions of evaluators to issues of justice, not its ability to justify method. (JMF)

Discusses the state of the humanities in the two-year college. (FL)

Describes and evaluates the effectiveness of a minisociety program which was designed to give elementary school students basic economic skills. Test results are presented. (Author/DB)

With the growing emphasis on efficiency and accountability in education, it would seem imperative that adult educators become more involved in developing evaluation processes which fit their needs. (JOW)

Competency testing can provide helpful information to educators and the public. (Author)

Focuses on the structural components of adaptability during retrenchment in five universities. Literature on organizational structure is reviewed and propositions are set forth which relate structure to adaptability. Finally, propositions are examined in light of case study data. Findings are presented. (Author/DB)