Uses handwriting samples of 12 undergraduates to explore whether teachers give higher marks to students' work in good handwriting and whether the students' gender may be surmised by their handwriting. Results show grading is not influenced by handwriting quality and finds no effect of gender attribution on grades assigned. (NL)

Describes the Public Library Effectiveness Study (PLES), which was designed to apply models and methods of organizational effectiveness research to public libraries. Indicators of public library effectiveness are described, factor analysis results are presented, implications for evaluating library performance are discussed, and further research is…

Issues that program planners should consider in developing performance standards for the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) older worker programs (OWPs) are reviewed. Using goal-setting theory and the results of a two-year evaluation of OWPs in Texas, the discussion covers approaches to developing standards for programs other states. (TJH)

Examined is the hypothesis that an important intellectual acquisition during adolescence is the ability to generate arguments that involve reasoning to contradiction. Implication for hypothesis teaching at the elementary grades is discussed. (KR)

Reports the perceptions of 543 Scottish pupils about teacher strategies for motivating the class to work well. Reveals that students perceived a wide range of effective strategies. Finds that pupils in each school surveyed identified over 75 percent of the staff as being effective at getting the class to work well. (DB)

Contends that the evaluation of student achievement is the most important function of educational assessment. Proposes a balanced evaluation approach based on four dimensions: (1) cognitive learnings; (2) affective learnings; (3) psychomotor learnings; and (4) behavioral performance. Recommends the use of checklists and evaluation forms. (CFR)

Results from 40 high school students on the mathematics subtest of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) support the prediction that successful students would have more prior knowledge and would be better at defining problems, assembling strategies, and avoiding computational errors. Results are discussed in terms of a cognitive processing model.…

Describes experiences with student evaluation of teacher performance in higher education at four universities. Recommends peer evaluation through a system of rotating seminars in which faculty members demonstrate teaching by discussing their professional activities. (CFR)

Explores the potential of portfolios for science education by examining issues related to purpose, structure, and authenticity. Illustrates portfolio applications in student assessment, prospective science teacher education programs, and the assessment of practicing science teachers. (MDH)

Conceptual differences between two popular alternative assessment methods must be clearly differentiated. Portfolios reflect individual development, whereas performance-based assessments reflect curriculum mastery. In combination, these methods provide a complete picture of the student as a learner and constitute a rigorous alternative to…

Argues that institutional effectiveness is a multidimensional construct that varies according to the perspective of the stakeholder. Identifies core effectiveness indicators derived from a survey given to a wide range of college staff in three key areas: student outcomes, institutional processes, and fiscal and human resources. Contains four data…

Describes how education and training providers can use organizational assessments to pinpoint a company's performance problems and deliver training services to help solve them. Assessments also help instructors understand the business context in which their company customers are operating, and to learn and use that business' particular "language."…

A study examined early indicators of school adjustment and conduct problems, comparing the risk and resiliency characteristics of Latino elementary students who were typical (n=66), at-risk (n=77), had learning disabilities (n=18), and speech impairments (n=8). At-risk students showed lower grades, fewer study and social skills, and more problem…

Describes seven defining characteristics of "authentic" assessment and how they have been operationalized in an interactive multimedia learning environment in preservice teacher education. A study showed students responded favorably to the elements of authentic assessment and had a good understanding of the software's content; this was…

Profiles Thomas F. Gilbert, a pioneer and influential leader in educational media and instructional technology, who is often cited as the founder of the field of performance technology. Discusses Gilbert's educational background and early interests, contributions to scholarship, awards, work as instructional-design consultant and performance…