The present study focuses; firstly, on analysing academics' conceptions of the purpose of assessment; secondly, on their assessment practices; and thirdly, on the relationship between their conceptions and practices. The data consisted of interviews with 28 pharmacy teachers. The analysis resulted in a continuum of categories of conceptions, from…

The characteristics of written comments on assignments as well as the process of writing them were studied. Interviews to three case-study middle school students, observation of lessons and content analysis of their assignments show that features that promote learning are: comments located next to what needs revision must be reviewed; use of…

Describes the Brazilian National System of Evaluation of Basic Education and analyzes its impact on educational polices and practices, especially at the state level. Data from about 15 interviews, site visits, document review, and a survey completed by representatives of 23 state education departments show the strong points and weaknesses of the…

How to generate information that can be used in the evaluation of problem solving by school principals was studied, drawing on a survey of 36 California principals. A proposed conceptual framework was tested in interviews with 30 other principals. Information generated by one principal illustrates problem solving in action. (SLD)

Studied the student evaluation practices of 132 Belgian teachers in 18 general secondary schools. Interview and questionnaire results suggest that 25% of the teachers were judgment-oriented in their evaluation practices, while 37% were solution-oriented, and 38% were process-oriented. Results also suggest that teachers make students responsible…

An alcohol education program for youth, developed as a district project by the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service, was evaluated using a responsive approach derived from Stake (1975). Rather than focusing on goals and objectives, the overall evaluation design responded to needs for descriptions of the program and participants' activities.…

Participant observations and key informant interviews were used in three case studies, each case corresponding to a different degree of researcher involvement in a Canadian school district's participatory evaluation. The contextual differences observed are discussed, and the usefulness of the approach to studying evaluation methods is described.…

Evaluation of an elementary level science curriculum unit (MATAL) illustrates intensive evaluation. This method involves classroom observation by trained observers, formulation of course objectives, student interviews (ability tests), and lesson planning. It stresses the identification of learning difficulties which hinder attainment of course…

This evaluation identified outcomes of participation in Minnesota's Early Childhood and Family Education program. A case study approach was used to assess the impact of program participation. A positive reaction to the program was noted, and certain changes in family functioning were attributable to participation. (DWH)

A one-year project was conducted by the Training, Enterprise, and Education Directorate to evaluate the effectiveness of a learning program at a northwest England Skillcenter for developing nonmanual skills in unemployed adults. Interviews with 30 trainees and training workplace observations identify strengths and weaknesses of this continually…