This article presents a checklist as a guide for Extension professionals to use in research and evaluation studies they carry out. A total of 40 statements grouped under eight data quality components--relevance, objectivity, validity, reliability, integrity, generalizability, completeness, and utility--are identified to ensure that research…

After sharing research findings about grading and assessment practices in secondary music ensemble classes, we offer examples of commonly used assessment tools (ratings scale, checklist, rubric) for the performance ensemble. Then, we explore the various purposes of assessment in performance-based music courses: (1) to meet state, national, and…

This study compares the use and efficacy of assessment grading tools within postgraduate education courses in a regional Australian university and a regional university in the US. Specifically, we investigate how the quality of postgraduate education courses can be improved through the use of assessment rubrics or criterion referenced assessment…

This contribution shows how the author's interpretive approach to religious education was used as a theoretical and pedagogical stimulus and an empirical research tool by researchers in the European Commission Framework 6 REDCo (religion, education, dialogue, conflict) project. The origins and development of the interpretive approach, from its…

To do solid academic research, college students need to look beyond the computer search engine. This short, practical book introduces students to the important components of the information-seeking process. "The Elements of Library Research" provides a foundation for success in any research assignment, from a freshman paper to a senior thesis.…

Purpose: We developed and tested theoretically derived procedures to observe physical environments experienced by nursing home residents at three nested levels: their rooms, the nursing unit, and the overall facility. Illustrating with selected descriptive results, in this article we discuss the development of the approach. Design and Methods: On…

A vital aspect of performance measurement is the assurance that the service provided by the library or information service is valued by the users. Profiles of information use can help in the analysis of performance at a more detailed level than is normally practiced. The quality assurance toolkit described in this paper was designed to facilitate…

"Notes & Reflections" offers practical information--ideas, strategies, tools, and resources--about topics of special interest to professional developers who are working to improve school performance. Today, professional development services to schools are provided by variety of people: teacher leaders; principals; and district, regional, and state…

The purpose of this bibliographic instruction package is to help a non-library instructor prepare undergraduate students to find and use books, indexes, abstracts, periodical articles, and other printed reference sources in a search for published information about sociology. The package is divided into two episodes which can be presented in one…

The purpose of this bibliographic instruction package is to help a non-library instructor prepare undergraduate students to find and utilize books, indexes, abstracts, periodical articles, and other printed reference sources in search for published information which can be used to develop an advertising campaign for a specific product. The package…

The purpose of this bibliographic instruction package is to help a non-library instructor prepare undergraduate students to find and use books, indexes, abstracts, periodical articles, and other printed reference sources in a search for published information in many areas of accounting, including tax practice, auditing, and business management.…

The purpose of this bibliographic instruction package is to help a non-library instructor prepare undergraduate students to find and use books, indexes, abstracts, periodical articles, and other printed reference sources in a search for published information on issues and problems in retailing and information about specific retailers. The package…

The purpose of this bibliographic instruction package is to help a non-library instructor prepare undergraduate students to find and use books, indexes, abstracts, periodical articles, and other printed reference sources in a search for published information on market research and consumer behavior. The package is divided into two episodes which…

The purpose of this bibliographic instruction package is to help a non-library instructor prepare undergraduate students to find and use books, indexes, abstracts, periodical articles, and other printed reference sources in a search for published information about anthropology and ethnology. The package is divided into two episodes which can be…

The purpose of this bibliographic instruction package is to help a non-library instructor prepare undergraduate students to find and use books, indexes, abstracts, periodical articles, and other printed reference sources in a search for published information on industrial psychology. The package is divided into two episodes which can be presented…