ERIC Number: ED263908
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1985-Apr-22
Pages: 12
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
When to Adapt Materials and When to Initiate Fresh Instructional Development.
Rojas, Alicia M.
A study was conducted to examine the procedures and requirements of a formative evaluation when it is carried out for instructional materials that have been designed for a U.S. target audience, but which also have potential use by a population of another country, e.g., Brazil. The study concentrated on determining whether different formative evaluation procedures should be implemented, and, if so, identifying possible additional procedures to be carried out during evaluation. Two sample populations were used in the study: 49 U.S. and 49 Brazilian learners who were professionals in similar areas of expertise and training. The two groups were given an instructional module on problem solving which was produced in two languages, Portuguese and English. This performance on the module which contained a pretest, a posttest and an attitude questionnaire, was compared under three conditions: one-to-one, small group, and field trial evaluations. The two main dependent variables assessed were the characteristics of the feedback and the revision decisions. Findings indicated that: (1) the same evaluation procedures used to collect data to revise instructional materials designed for audiences that differ in cultural traits or values can be applied to that effect; (2) a carefully performed one-to-one evaluation that provides substantial data for modification of the instructional materials and small group evaluation may not be required; and (3) two extra procedures might prove useful: after initial translation to the required language, a second translation back to the original language to determine any improperly translated words, and material revision by evaluators prior to implementation to discover any cultural inadequacies. A list of references is appended. (JB)
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Brazil; United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A