Examines evaluation in a situated learning context. Topics discussed include a model for evaluation in a computer learning environment; portfolios, including written, electronic, and video formats; summary statistics; diagnosis; reflection and self-assessment; story construction or scenario design; learners as designers of instruction; and…

This study compared mothers' and teachers' ratings of adaptive behavior of 20 children (ages 24-38 months) with developmental delays in an early childhood education program, to determine whether their observations differed. Results are analyzed in terms of child's age, gender, and length of time spent in the program. (Author/JDD)

A study investigated relationships between entry qualifications, area of specialization, and sex of students (n=313) in an undergraduate education program and overall program performance. Performance in educational psychology was an efficient predictor of overall program achievement. Math/science specialists performed better in educational…

Classroom assessment techniques were used in a large survey college course in psychology to monitor student performance and collect other forms of student feedback. As a result, student-teacher role relations changed, the teacher adopted the role of learning coach and reduced lecture content, and the classroom environment was enlivened. (MSE)

Selectively surveys the literature of collection development in 1990. Topics covered include library materials budgets and finances; serials and the economics of scholarly publication; collection evaluation and analysis; cooperative arrangements; selection, deselection, housing, and preservation of library materials; staffing and organization; and…

Two approaches--Harnisch/Linn and Rasch-based--to comparing district-level student performance to system-level student performance were examined, using results for 3,607 students on a curriculum-referenced mathematics test. Both approaches addressed relative mean performance on categories of common items. A modification of one approach and an…

The results of four early intervention studies are analyzed and found to make a strong case for expecting educable-level achievements from children with Down syndrome. The importance of functional indicators of educability that can complement intelligence test results in determining an appropriate educational placement is stressed. (Author/JDD)

The assumption that reliability is a necessary but insufficient condition for validity in assessment is challenged by exploring a dialectic between psychometric and hermeneutic approaches to drawing and warranting interpretations of human products of performance. Hermeneutic alternatives for epistemological and ethical purposes expand the range of…

Describes three classroom techniques involving bulletin boards for the mathematics classroom; a visual representation of fractions in which the school day is broken up into parts by hour; and methods to test and review mathematical concepts while students work cooperatively. (MDH)

Theory behind modern evaluative bibliometric techniques is reviewed at three levels: (1) policy application; (2) strategic analysis; and (3) tactical analysis. New techniques developed at each level and limitations of each approach are discussed. At all levels, the process begins with assembling data and then moves to a data-based evaluation. (SLD)

Contends that student evaluation of teacher performance has lowered the quality of U.S. education. Argues that the assessment instruments used to assess teacher performance are not only limited in effectiveness but are used as an instrument of intimidation to force conformity to politically correct standards. (CFR)

Describes the selection and implementation of an authentic assessment model for evaluating students' science laboratory knowledge and skills. Provides sample problems and a scoring form for the performance-based science laboratory test. (MDH)

In interviews about the fairness of teaching practices, 113 high-ability students aged 6 to 18 years (in 6 age groups) typically chose peer tutoring as the fairest. High-ability students do not emphasize self-interest when evaluating fair practices. Children's evaluations of institutional practices reflect their developing conceptions of social…

Examines the nature of outcomes-based assessment and reporting systems in language education, noting problems that may arise in their development and implementation by presenting case studies of assessment innovations in the United Kingdom and Australia, which experienced various political, technical, and practical problems. The relationship…

A college faculty member who has graded Advanced Placement exam essays on U.S. government and politics, taken mostly by high school juniors and seniors, suggests that high school teachers and college faculty who assess the essays are not the best qualified persons to do so and that despite efforts to ensure consistency, the resulting scores are…