Uses a scenario-based assessment tool in two environmental geoscience in-service programs for middle school and high school teachers serving both to guide instructional techniques and as a method to evaluate the success of the instructional approach. Includes a hypothetical watershed scenario in which participants had to choose monitoring sites…

Argues that it is possible to evaluate the excellence of academic documents involving the study of geosciences K-16 by using the Geoscience Academic Excellence Model which was developed by scientific societies including the National Research Council/National Academy of Sciences. (Author/YDS)

Explains the pros and cons of the qualitative and quantitative research methods and discusses the role of assessment objectives on choosing the research methodologies. Presents an example study. Includes 13 references. (Author/YDS)

Reports that with proper preparation and pre-assessment of student expectations, geoscience courses can be effectively taught with supplementary materials reflecting minority group frames of reference. Indicates that inclusion of environmental justice oriented content may not effectively attract and retain students of color from non-science…

Recommends that prior to peer faculty review, both parties involved should understand that there are two paradigms of education. Focuses on the alignment of peer review evaluation tools with the teaching implications of the paradigm choice. (Contains 45 references.) (DDR)

Points out that assessment of courses and curricula lags behind implementation and focuses on an evaluation project at the University of Arizona. Describes an effort to determine the effectiveness of science courses for non-majors. (DDR)

Asserts that assessment requires measuring of results, evaluation of the processes that lead to results, and a commitment to promote change for the better. Describes several formative tools that have been used in both laboratory and lecture geology classes, shows how they complement the fairly universal summative evaluation, and demonstrates how…

Prescribes the use and grading of student-created assessment portfolios for a large-enrollment, introductory-level environmental science course. Grading involves a modified holistic-scoring technique that evaluates student-provided evidence of academic achievement from extended, authentic tasks. Portfolio use emphasizes the integration of facts…