Complex problem solving (CPS) as a cross-curricular competence has recently attracted more attention in educational psychology as indicated by its implementation in international educational large-scale assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment. However, research on the development of CPS is scarce, and the few…

Two studies compared strengths and deficiencies in the problem solving abilities of about 80 learning disabled and 110 nondisabled fifth and sixth graders using a microcomputer as an assessment tool. No significant differences in performance on problem solving tasks were found. The microcomputer is postulated as possibly responsible for this…

Describes the three phases of the learning cycle (exploration, conceptual invention, and expansion) and explains how they can be used in educational assessment. The use of semantic mapping, concept mapping, and mental modeling in the evaluation of student learning is described. (PR)

The essential idea of alternative assessment modes is for students to create some product and reflect on it. The authenticity of tasks means using regular classroom instruction as an opportunity for student assessment. Reflective self-evaluation should be an integral part of every classroom assignment, not an obligatory afterthought. Developing…

Argues that assessment does not have to be a formal score in the grade book; rather it can be an informal process used by the teacher to direct the lesson. Provides a real-world activity for assessing students' understanding of percents and fractions where students use ratios, proportions, and percents to solve problems involving the comparisons…

This paper is concerned with the assessability of metacognition, asserting that unless metacognition can be assessed, then it will never be considered a legitimate part of curriculum. The paper focuses on a pilot study conducted with grade-six students in the curriculum domain of mathematics. It reports the results of student questionnaires and…

Urban Canadian sixth-graders (n=84) were tested on 80 arithmetic word problems developed as part of a larger set to reflect individual differences in problem solving. Problems varied in complexity of language and amount of extraneous information present. Results indicated substantial internal consistency and concurrent validity relative to…

When preparing middle-level students for the information Age, educators must consider staff-development needs in the areas of computer technology and portfolio design; classroom restructuring for project-based curriculum; integrated subject disciplines; and alignment of the portfolio approach to school, district, state, and parental expectations…

Reports a study to test the hypothesis that intermediate grade teachers (n=96) will reflect an expectation of male success in the scores they assign to students' work in mathematical problem solving. MANOVA involving the variables of student gender, teacher grade level, and teacher gender indicated no gender bias on the part of teachers. (MDH)

At a middle school in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, administrators and teachers used the cognitive domain of the National Association of Secondary School Principals' Learning Style Profile to design "products" that helped compensate for underachieving sixth and seventh graders' skill deficits in mathematics and science. Success…

This profile is designed as a recording sheet for monitoring an individual student's progress throughout the school year. Sixth grade assessment materials and the "Strategies for Instruction in Mathematics" suggest tasks and questions that can be used for on-going and summative assessment. Directions for use and descriptions of levels of…

Two eighth-grade teachers at a Georgia middle school recently redesigned their curriculum to emphasize problem-centered, hands-on learning projects focusing on issues relevant to students. To demonstrate what was learned, students and teachers employed various student projects assessed by using rubrics that define a wide range of acceptable and…

This paper begins with a discussion of technology-supported activities to support meaningful learning and planning for a new research agenda. The remainder of the paper is a description of two prototype technology-based assessments developed to help address the dearth of appropriate student learning measures available to inquiry-oriented,…

This profile is designed as a recording sheet for monitoring an individual student's progress throughout the school year. Fourth grade assessment materials and the "Strategies for Instruction in Mathematics" suggest tasks and questions that can be used for on-going and summative assessment. Directions for use and descriptions of levels of…

This profile is designed as a recording sheet for monitoring an individual student's progress throughout the school year. Fifth grade assessment materials and the "Strategies for Instruction in Mathematics" suggest tasks and questions that can be used for on-going and summative assessment. Directions for use and descriptions of levels of…