In this article, the authors theoretically and empirically explore the concept of learning evaluation. They shed light on the positioning of the learning evaluation amid scholarly work one valuations. Moreover, they describe the learning evaluation in practice in the Netherlands by going into a specific project called the Stimulation Program on…

The explicit statement of course objectives and a retrospective analysis of student test results are used in the evaluation of a mathematics course for engineering students. (BW)

Formative evaluation of a physics curriculum unit (PLON) is reported. Phase one used general ideas and many instruments; phase two focused on specific questions arising from phase one. Findings suggested that relating curriculum content to ability to think about and explain a task was a prerequisite for student satisfaction. (CP)

Tests validity of the Literary Response Questionnaire (LRQ) and assesses its relationships with Dutch junior-high-school student, home-background, and school-related variables. Confirms the seven first-order factors of the LRQ identified in a previous study. Finds grade, gender, type of education, vocabulary size, reading behavior, and cultural…

This article uses a policy scientific approach to reconstruct assumptions underlying the Dutch Educational Supervision Act. We show an example of how to reconstruct and evaluate a program theory that is based on legislation of inspection. The assumptions explain how inspection leads to school improvement. Evaluation of these assumptions is used to…

Responsive evaluation offers a perspective in which evaluation is reframed from the assessment of program interventions on the basis of policy makers' goals to an engagement with and among all stakeholders about the value and meaning of their practice. Responsive evaluators have to be extra sensitive to power relations given the deliberate…

The structure of expertise is investigated along a variety of dimensions. A new and distinct approach is used, which is based on extensive analysis of theories, models, and practice-based strategies found in the literature. This base is used to define a set of dimensions that might be helpful in constructing knowledge profiles. The four dimensions…

An evaluation study of PLON, a new Dutch physics curriculum emphasizing context learning and inquiry learning, is summarized. Data from nine PLON classes (n=154) and six control classes (n=144) were used to investigate cognitive achievement, affective and attitudinal outcomes, and the classroom learning environment. (BS)

Lack of use of educational evaluation results in the Netherlands was investigated by analyzing 14 curriculum evaluation studies. Results indicated that rational decision making with a technical (empirical) evaluation approach makes utilization of results most likely. Incremental decision making and a conformative approach make utilization least…

Conflict over whether Dutch standardized tests and national standards are appropriate relates to goals ascribed to student evaluation (a measurement goal for selection decisions or a pedagogical goal to support learning). Interviews with Dutch secondary teachers who worked in a context that combined national standards in the final year with…

Discusses curricular changes in Dutch teacher training colleges and analyzes current instructional design activities of teacher trainers using a repertory grid technique. Their actual approaches are compared to instructional systems design approaches and related to innovative teacher roles, and suggests that more attention needs to be placed on…

Responds to Doug Boughton's accompanying essay based on input from notable assessment practices in Europe and Australia. Addresses what is meant by criteria, objectives, and standards and what role they play in visual arts assessment. Offers a model for rethinking the structure of assessment with respect to these components. (DSK)

This article discusses some of the results of the CATCH (Classroom Assessment as a basis for Teacher Change) project. CATCH was meant to develop, apply and scale up a professional development programme designed to change teachers' instruction by helping them change their formative assessment practices. The authors focus on the analysis of three…

The report examines the development and implementation of performance indicators at institutions of higher education, through presentation of position statements on 11 countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and United Kingdom. General conclusions are summarized in an introductory…

To alter the predominance of secondary school enrollment in lower vocational education in the Rotterdam district, the Educational Social Environment Project has developed and introduced kindergarten and elementary school curriculum for socially deprived children. This article describes the project's summative evaluation design, variable…