In this commentary, we build on Xinying Yin and Gayle Buck's discussion by exploring the cultural practices which are integral to formative assessment, when it is viewed as a sociocultural practice. First we discuss the role of assessment and in particular oral and written formative assessments in both western and Samoan cultures, building on the…

Thanks to China's reform and opening to the world over the last three decades, the conventional normal education system, which is characterized by independent orientation, is now being challenged by a comprehensive and multi-faceted modern teacher education system that has taken shape. It is high time that we attached great significance to the…

Conventional approaches to evaluating vocational education have often been criticized for failing to deal holistically with the institution or program being evaluated. Integrated quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods have documented benefits; therefore, it would be useful to consider possibility of developing a model for evaluating…

This article describes the experiences of the author during four months as an instructor at the China Enterprise Management Training Center. He presents a profile of the trainees, characteristics of the Chinese student, and a teaching methodology (discussing the interpreter, class monitor, faculty, classroom conditions and techniques, reading and…

Discusses the integration of insider-managed baseline evaluation into project and program design in educational change processes. Drawing on examples taken from recent experiences of English language teaching projects in Central Europe and China, the benefits of using insider-managed baseline studies are outlined.(Author/VWL)

This paper explains the principles involved in tape editing and recording for foreign language teaching and in the assessment of the quality of the finished product. Three major points involved in tape making are discussed: (1) compilation of a listening text (requires familiarity with foreign language learning and teaching, as well as an…

Describes the central issues confronting Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL) in China today. Examines overall trends and identifies challenges. Particular emphasis is on teacher education; instructional materials, and assessment. (Author/VWL)

Ongoing evaluation occurs during the progression of an action and is widely used as a means of judging the progress and achievements of language programs. This article focuses on the ongoing evaluation of an English-as-a-Foreign-Language program in China and the roles of the teachers and learners in the process. (Author/VWL)

This document contains 14 papers on human resources (HR) and human resource management (HRM) in virtual organizations. The following papers are included: "Series Preface" (Rodger Griffeth); "Volume Preface" (Robert L. Heneman, David B. Greenberger); "The Virtual Organization: Definition, Description, and…