This toolkit is designed to help users learn about, prepare for, and implement the new directions in performance measurement for Senior Corps as set forth in the Senior Corps Field Guidance from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). This toolkit describes: performance measurement requirements and criteria for selecting work plans to measure performance; what to consider when choosing ... Full description.

This article describes an evualuation of the effectiveness of electronic student response technologies (SRT). These wireless systems allow students to key in responses with remote control units to questions posed by an instructor in the classroom. Student responses then are displayed in real time, allowing both students and instructors to gauge student comprehension instantaneously. Researchers conducted ... Full description.

This is a step-by-step guide for creating a simple concept map that is accessible for K-12 students. This resource is best put to use in the classroom by K-12 teachers. Full description.

This short article explains what performance assessment is, how it works, why it is worth trying, what the research says about it, and discusses the cost. It gives tips for constructing performance-based assessment and some examples of successful implementations. There are many contacts for getting more information. Full description.

This paper examines the implications of an unplanned experiment in which a high-school level earth science curriculum was presented to college juniors and seniors. The study confirmed the difficulty of a science that has traditionally been viewed as one of the least challenging options at the college level. It showed that most people arrive at college with little or no prior knowledge in the geosciences, ... Full description.

This article describes the results of a questionnaire sent to 28 universities and colleges with range science programs in the western 17 states. Information requested pertained to job placement, undergraduate student numbers, course requirements, program goals, and obstacles to undergraduate education in range science. Most range science programs have low student numbers with fewer than 10 graduates ... Full description.

This article describes a study in which changes in knowledge of science and attitudes regarding science among participants in a summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program were examined. It was discovered that existing survey instruments could not detect changes in participants' attitudes over the course of the program and also failed to detect differences between geoscience faculty ... Full description.

This article describes the use of service-learning practice in geoscience courses taught at the University of Connecticut. The stated objectives for instituting this practice are: to foster student interest in earth sciences through community service; to enhance university outreach through interactions with communities; to enhance students' learning ability by applying course knowledge to real-world ... Full description.

The University of Kentucky Department of Agronomy instituted a system of peer review of teaching in 1996. Professors observe the teaching of their peers with the intent of helping one another improve. Reviews usually include a preliminary meeting between the instructor and two reviewers, several in-class visits, some analysis of classroom materials, and a wrap-up meeting. The peer review program now ... Full description.

This page describes the Center for Teaching and Learning's (CTL) assessment-related efforts and activities and provides links to information about various individuals involved in CTL work, past and present CTL projects, and selected publications authored by CTL staff. Full description.