The 1989 Research Selectivity Exercise: A Statistical Analysis of Differences in Research Rating between Universities at the Cost Centre Level

This paper reviews the outcomes of the 1988/9 UFC research selectivity exercise and uses these as a basis for recommendations to those undertaking the 1992/3 exercise. Attention is drawn to disparities between subjects which may result in inefficient allocations at institutional level. Of eight factors incorporated into a statistical model only size of cost centre is consistently associated with research selectively score. The only other variable that influences an individual cost centre's score in the majority of subject areas is that institution's score in other subjects - thus suggesting a 'halo' effect. Surprisingly, research expenditure per member of staff is not strongly associated with reseach selectively rating.     

A critical review of elaboration theory

In this article the authors examine elaboration theory (ET), a model for sequencing and organizing courses which was developed by Charles Reigeluth and associates in the late 1970s. The purpose of the article is to offer a critique of ET based on recent cognitive research and to offer suggestions for updating the model to reflect new knowledge.Commentary by Charles Reigeluth follows this article.     

Using rapid application development to improve the usability of a preservice teacher technology course

The aim of this research was to examine the use of a rapid application development (RAD) approach in improving the usability (effectiveness, efficiency, and appeal) of instructional materials for preservice teachers. The RAD approach used was the analysis, synthesis, evaluation and change (ASEC) model (Reigeluth & Nelson, 1997). After examining existing materials, 11 units of instruction were prototyped, tested, modified, and retested with the requisite changes being implemented over the course of three semesters. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 570 students, 7 instructional designers, and 4 lab assistants. Results of the study showed significant increases in usability scores between the second and third semester. Both positive and negative experiences in using a rapid development model are discussed.     

Differential Subject Performance and the Problems of Selection

Methods of test equating and scaling have been studied in the statistically advanced literature of educational and psychological measurement, and applied extensively where mass testing and selection procedures are required; for example, selection for tertiary study. Usually the procedures themselves require large data sets, and they are applied in order to ensure that students are not advantaged or disadvantaged because of the arbitrary features of the origin and units of measurement of the various tests. However, equating may be necessary where the data sets are relatively small. This paper provides an example of selection into a professional faculty within a university, following study from a range of subjects available in various faculties at the first-year level, and shows the need and a procedure for equating the grades in the different subjects. The procedure itself is based on a psychometric model studied extensively in the psychometric literature, and the purpose of this paper is to introduce the rationale for its application from first principles for a broader professional education audience and to illustrate its application with a practical example.