SURVEY TESTING ON AN OUT-OF-LEVEL BASIS

"Out-of-level" testing, assigning pupils to levels of a standardized test on the basis of previous (close to chance level) test scores rather than their present grade assignment, has been used in Philadelphia since 1968. An extensive number of pupils were tested in this way in 1970, in contrast to the two previous years, and overall performance indices seemed depressed as a result.
The test results of 1500 children tested out-of-level in 1970 were reviewed to see if their performance supported the rationale behind the practice. More reliable performance definitely resulted from the procedure for this sample, but there is considerable question about the publisher's assurance regarding comparability of in-level and out-of-level scores.     

Interdisciplinary Teaching Within Engineering Education

This paper reports the development and implementation of a multi-disciplinary course called ‘sustainable development’ within engineering education at the University of Technology Eindhoven (TUE). In this course, students of different disciplines have to cooperate with each other in a project, with the aim of finding (more) sustainable solutions for an environmental issue or problem put forward by industry or (governmental) institutions (e.g. a zero-energy dwelling). The educational form is based on project-oriented education. The project group, which consists of six to eight students from at least three disciplines, is responsible for the results and the project. During their project, the students can rely on a tutor, who is primarily a process guide. Together with the principal, the tutor advises on whether or not the proposed working plan is realistic and can be realized within the given time of 160 h (two half-days over 20 weeks). At the end, the students have to present and defend their work before a committee, which consists of the tutor, the principal and a subject expert. Experience has shown that multi-disciplinary project work has been an excellent teaching method and addition to engineering education curricula, so improving not only knowledge but also interdisciplinary thinking and skills. Environmental issues need a multi-disciplinary approach, and this course bridges the gap between disciplines, so stimulating interdisciplinary work within engineering education.