This practical guide is one of a series aimed at assisting academics in higher education in researching specific aspects of their work. Focusing on small-scale insider research in colleges and universities, the handbook covers contemporary issues, research methods, and existing practice and values in the area of assessment and evaluation. Issues, dilemmas and situations that confront the stakeholders in higher education include competency models of learning and assessment; resource issues in assessment; the pressures of overwork on academics and the maintenance of personal integrity; and ways in which assessment and evaluation of teachers and students are affected by institutional and governmental arrangements. Many examples of research instruments and suggestions for their use or adaptation are included. The last chapter discusses writing for publication and includes a list of publishers and journals of educational research. (Individual chapters contain references.) (PRW)