Strategies and techniques used in evaluation of British higher education consortia are described, focusing on constraints, purposes, and methods used. The context within which the evaluation takes place is seen as a strong influence on purpose and methods. Similarities and differences in evaluation of individual institutions and consortia are…

A discussion of issues in assessment of college student performance, at a time in which emphases in higher education are changing substantially, examines three alternatives to traditional evaluation methods: self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and collaborative assessment. All three are seen as promoting a student-centered, criterion-referenced,…

It is argued that self-assessment skills, used for planning and monitoring achievement, must be taught to college students. One method, use of a personal diary of progress, is described and illustrated. An alternative or complementary procedure for teaching self-assessment skills, which can be used with large groups, is also outlined. (MSE)

In light of the growing need for individuals to be assessed or assess themselves on workplace learning, the different notions of reliability and validity in classical test theory are examined as they might apply to work-based learning. It is concluded that, under certain stated conditions, test reliability, validity, and comparability can be…

Discussion of student evaluation of college teaching in four European countries (United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Germany) focuses on concerns about test bias. Factors specific to the higher education systems in those countries that could affect student evaluation and other related issues are examined. (Author/MSE)

A discussion of the use of computerized spreadsheets for recording and analyzing college students' grades looks at a variety of issues of concern in any evaluation situation (data collection and control, allocating grades, checking consistency, analyzing relationships between items of assessment and grades), and illustrate them with examples from…

The United Kingdom's recent Management Charter Initiative to promote management development is discussed, focusing on the initiative's emphasis on program design to meet varied needs. A program leading to management certification is outlined. The initiative features 3 options: credits for prior learning, 30 weeks of open and experiential learning,…

This study investigated the relationship between specific teacher evaluation items and course rating by students (n=1,064) at the University of Yaounde (Cameroon). Results suggest variables (such as student increase in interest during the course, overall course organization, and student perceptions of what they are gaining) are most predictive of…

Concerns about and objections to competency-based assessment in higher education are examined, including superficiality, use of inference, neglect of knowledge and of process, and subjectivity. It is concluded that, although each objection raises an important issue, in each case, a well-designed competency-based assessment system can overcome…

A framework for improving student and course evaluation in higher education is presented. The framework is based on a simple quality control model. Suggestions for support mechanisms and resources for improving practice are also offered. (MSE)