QUALITY ASSURANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION: FRENCH PROCEDURES AND OPERATIONAL ASPECTS

An aperçu of the French National Evaluation Committee is given. Its recent history, its functions, and its aims are evoked. The stages of an evaluation and the procedures for each stage are outlined. The aim is to help each institution and each targeted discipline to better understand itself and its future so as to fill its niche more fully and effectively.     

Rethinking our underlying assumptions about what we do and why we do it: academic development as a case

In this paper, academic developers from universities in three countries explore underlying assumptions about what we as developers do and why we do it in relation to evaluating development programs. Through addressing three questions, key ideas emerge that highlight what is often overlooked in day-to-day practice: the fact that academic development has a ‘signature pedagogy’ defined by the ‘learning paradigm’; the potential role of different stakeholders in setting criteria for evaluation; and the inclusion of non-traditional academic development literatures (e.g., adult education, educational change, organizational development) to avoid perpetuating established practices. Our intent is to intellectually challenge ourselves and others to move beyond sharing program and evaluation activities to explore ideas and literature not often considered in our day-to-day work. While the context is academic development, we believe the questions and the answers that emerged are of value to all involved in staff and professional development.     

第二语言的词汇表征与发展

勾勒出一个教学环境中第二语言词汇习得的心理语言学模式。从二语词库里词条的进化方式来考虑,二语词汇习得可看作由三个阶段组成:形式阶段、一语词目介入阶段和二语融合阶段。据证明,由于二语的学习受到实际的制约,所以大多数二语词汇在第二阶段就僵化了。在此基础上,总结二语词汇表征的三个突出特点。     

Mediation methods as an adjunct to counselling couples

Couples involved in counselling frequently present situations in which the participants have assumed opposing and antagonistic positions on an issue; problem-solving has reached a deadlock. In these situations, counsellors may find it useful to employ techniques of mediation as an adjunct to traditional methods of counselling and psychotherapy. This paper describes six stages of mediation used with couples to resolve conflict. The six stages of mediation are: a) introduction; b) problem identification; c) identifying and ordering critical problems; d) generating and evaluating problem-solving options; e) evaluating and selecting mutually acceptable, problem-solving options; and f) making an agreement. The discussion also provides procedural suggestions for implementing each stage, methods for coping with commonly occurring problems, and examples of counsellor dialogue at each stage. The paper also discussed several cross-cultural considerations related to communication, counselling and mediation.     

Mediation methods as an adjunct to counselling couples

Couples involved in counselling frequently present situations in which the participants have assumed opposing and antagonistic positions on an issue; problem-solving has reached a deadlock. In these situations, counsellors may find it useful to employ techniques of mediation as an adjunct to traditional methods of counselling and psychotherapy. This paper describes six stages of mediation used with couples to resolve conflict. The six stages of mediation are: a) introduction; b) problem identification; c) identifying and ordering critical problems; d) generating and evaluating problem-solving options; e) evaluating and selecting mutually acceptable, problem-solving options; and f) making an agreement. The discussion also provides procedural suggestions for implementing each stage, methods for coping with commonly occurring problems, and examples of counsellor dialogue at each stage. The paper also discussed several cross-cultural considerations related to communication, counselling and mediation.     

A Further Characterization of Empirical Research Related to Learning Outcome Achievement in Remote and Virtual Science Labs

This paper further characterizes recently reviewed literature related to student learning outcome achievement in non-traditional (virtual and remote) versus traditional (hands-on) science labs, as well as factors to consider when evaluating the state and progress of research in this field as a whole. Current research is characterized according to (1) participant nationality and culture, (2) participant education level, (3) participant demography, (4) scientific discipline, and (5) research methodology, which could provide avenues for further research and useful dialog regarding the measurement and interpretation of data related to student learning outcome achievement in, and thus the efficacy of, non-traditional versus traditional science labs. Current research is also characterized by (6) research publication media and (7) availability of non-traditional labs used, which demonstrate some of the obstacles to progress and consensus in this research field.     

QUALITY INDICES FOR FACULTY EVALUATION

This paper investigates procedures and criteria for the evaluation of faculty in higher education. It first surveys the different indices currently in use for evaluating research, teaching and service activities. It then discusses the use of these criteria in view of the shifting framework of evaluation in the university from that based on promotion and tenure decisions to one which is based on institutional review. Finally, conditions for the success of faculty evaluation are outlined. These include evaluation procedures that are consultative in nature, the specification of criteria and standards, and an emphasis on the critical role of faculty in evaluation and in becoming evaluators themselves.     

The Challenge of Evaluating Action Learning

The paper examines the benefits claimed for action learning at individual, organisational and inter-organisational levels. It goes on to identify both generic difficulties in evaluating development programmes and action learning specifically. The distinction between formative and summative evaluation is considered and a summative evaluation framework is outlined, based on recent reviews of evaluations of development programmes, while recognising that establishing clear causal links remains problematic.     

A Conceptual Framework for Evaluating Supervision Effectiveness

The authors attempt to bridge the gap between the research literature on supervision and its application to evaluating individual supervisor effectiveness. A conceptual framework is presented for making decisions about evaluation. In this framework the decision maker is directed to consider three issues—the purpose of evaluation, the developmental stage of the counselor, and the focus of evaluation—in selecting measures of effectiveness. Within this context, some promising measures of supervision effectiveness are discussed, and methods for linking changes in supervisee functioning to supervisor interventions are considered.     

Data Collection Strategies and Measurement Tools for Assessing Academic and Therapeutic Outcomes in Recovery Schools

Accurate evaluation and documentation of the efficacy of recovery schools can be vital to the continuation and expansion of these beneficial resources. A very limited data set currently exists that examines the value of specific schools established to support adolescents and young adults in recovery; additional research is necessary. The following article outlines the methodology utilized in a current quasi-experimental study evaluating both academic and therapeutic outcomes of adolescents attending recovery high schools as compared to traditional (non-recovery-based) high schools. The developmental considerations in assessing adolescents in recovery and their parents is delineated in this article, which underscores the need for extensive knowledge of adolescent substance abuse and other mental health issues. In addition, sensitivity around privacy among adolescents, parents, schools, and health providers is highlighted, as well as the validity of assessment. Key assessment strategies, including protocol of recruitment and interviewing techniques, are also presented along with a list of parent and adolescent assessment instruments and their corresponding interpretive variables. Protocol recommendations for future research are also outlined.     

Auditing and Evaluating University–Community Engagement: Lessons from a UK Case Study

The growing importance of community and public engagement activities in universities has led to an increasing emphasis on auditing and evaluating university–community partnerships. However, the development of effective audit and evaluation tools is still at a formative stage. This article presents a case study of the University of Brighton's experience of evaluating such partnerships. Drawing on this experience, a review of the literature and an analysis of published measurement frameworks, the challenges of measuring community and public engagement are discussed and a typology of dimensions for university public engagement presented. A critique of the Brighton case study and the lessons learned provides a basis for clarifying the activities that universities might want to measure and the key questions they need to ask when determining which tools are appropriate.     

Assessing service in faculty reviews: mentoring faculty and developing transparency

Universities generally have clear expectations for teaching and scholarship, and often a faculty member’s publications, research and scholarship are the primary factors in tenure and promotion decisions. Many universities do include service as one component in annual reviews as well as in assessing progress toward tenure and promotion. Unfortunately, criteria for evaluating service are often not specified. Having vaguely outlined expectations for service sends a message that service does not matter, ultimately doing a ‘disservice’ to faculty who need guidance on appropriate levels of service. As much as possible, department chairs, governance bodies that represent the faculty, and administrators who are responsible for evaluating faculty need to ensure that faculty members understand how they will be assessed in the area of service and to make evaluation in this area as transparent as possible.     

EVALUATING FOR COURSE IMPROVEMENT: A CASE STUDY

This paper describes a method of evaluating courses in which taking action is integral, that is, one in which the adoption of desirable change is built into the process of evaluating. This method starts from participants’ definitions of evaluation‐worthy issues and through a number of procedural stages enables them to refine, prioritize and reach a consensus on these issues. The process of evaluation is designed to motivate participants to improve their practice, the practice being teaching for tutors, learning for students and managing for course leaders. By improving this practice it is expected that appropriate change in the structure, content and operation of the course will occur. The arguments are illustrated by reference to the evaluation of a course leading to a post graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).     

"达标导向"理念在高职足球课中的实践与探索

主要运用文献法、实验法与统计法,对高职足球课运用＂达标导向＂理念教学进行实践与分析。＂达标导向＂理念教学主要分为3个阶段：教师制定教学进度与达标指标阶段;学生练习阶段;教师评价阶段。每个阶段都有自身的特点与重点,而教师评价阶段是本教学理念的关键。实验表明,＂达标导向＂理念具有良好的教学效果,对学生课外锻炼参与也有积极的促进。     

论冷战后的非传统安全问题

冷战结束后，非传统安全威胁对国际安全、国家安全以及人的安全的影响日益增加。党的十六大提出未来20年是我国必须紧紧抓住的重要战略机遇期，因此创造安全稳定的国内国际环境至关重要。本文主要分析了非传统安全的概念及其特征与危害，进一步提出了我国应对非传统安全威胁的建议与设想。面对非传统安全威胁，首先要转变传统的安全观念，同时要积极地参与跨国和跨地区的多边国际合作，共同应对非传统安全威胁。     

The Situation of Women in Technical Professions in the Federal Republic of Germany

In West Germany, women have traditionally worked in a very restricted range of jobs, with skilled women workers being concentrated in administrative and service sector employment. The article reviews the reasons for this situation and the initiatives which have been taken to increase the proportion of women in jobs traditionally undertaken by men, including technical jobs at all levels. The Federal Government supported by the Lander (West German States) has introduced a number of projects across the country to train more young women in non-traditional vocational areas, especially in the mechanical and electronic/electrical engineering fields with a view to producing skilled craft workers and technicians. The difficulties faced by young women who have taken up such training, both during the training period and when seeking work subsequently are discussed

The situation for women engineers at the professional level is also outlined and a number of strategies which may be helpful in improving the position of women in engineering in the Federal Republic is outlined. Recently, computer courses organised by women's groups have proved successful in attracting women students from a wide variety of backgrounds and age ranges with little or no previous technical or scientific training.     

Appreciating the Needs of Non-Traditional Students: Women as a Growing Market for Colleges and Universities

ABSTRACT

In response to this unprecedented growth, higher education is finally recognizing the contribution of the adult learner. Previous research has explored what the “nontraditional” student values in an education. While our knowledge base regarding the nontraditional learner continues to expand, relatively little research has been conducted on an important segment of this market-nontraditional women. As such, the nontraditional woman represents an important target market for colleges and universities. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to better understand the unique educational needs of the nontraditional woman. A convenience sample of 197 non-traditional women and men from a mid-western university participated in the study. Perhaps the most interesting finding to emerge from the present study (from a marketing perspective) is the notion of three distinct market segments of non-traditional women. Implications for higher education administrators are discussed.     

Improving the Background Knowledge of Non-traditional Students

Three intervention methods to assist non-traditional college students in evaluating and improving their chemical and mathematical backgrounds were developed and implemented over three successive years. The goal was to improve students' self-confidence and success in the course. The first method was a one-day optional symposium featuring a variety of tutorial sessions. In the second, a pre-test helped students determine potential deficits in requisite knowledge, and topical workshops were made available outside of class time. The third method used the same assessment pre-test combined with instructional videos on selected topics drawn from the pre-test. The three approaches were compared in a formative sense with respect to 1) student identification of areas of potential weakness, 2) accessibility of each method to the non-traditional student population. The success of the third method at improving student course performance was also examined.     

美国社区大学的非传统学生成功条件构建及对我国高等职业教育的启示——基于Tinto学生成功条件模型

Tinto学生成功条件模型为研究美国大学促进学生成功的实践提供了理论框架。基于学生成功条件模型,美国社区大学针对非传统学生面临的身份意识、学习能力、经济状况、融入校园等主要挑战,采取了帮助学生建立正确期望、提供关键支持、开展评价反馈、促进校园参与等措施,可以通过期望、支持、评价、参与四个维度对其进行比较深入的考察。美国社区大学构建非传统学生成功条件的做法,对我国高等职业教育做好非传统学生工作具有一定的启示意义。