|
Evaluation of High School Graduates in Brazil: A Decade of Learning
|
| Presenter(s):
|
| Ana Carolina Letichevsky,
Cesgranrio Foundation,
anacarolina@cesgranrio.org.br
|
| Abstract:
This paper presents the history of standardized evaluation of High School students' in Brazil for the last ten years. Conducted annually by the Federal Department of Education, it collects students' data by means of a survey and an exam. This evaluation's several editions generated ample learning, such as: (a) skills and abilities better developed throughout High School, (b) ways to obtain substantial student adherence within a voluntary evaluation process, (c) ways of mobilizing teachers and technical-pedagogical staff to use evaluation results for High School improvement, (d) how communities at large incorporate these evaluations and their results, (e) the profile of students in the entry and exit High School grades, and (f) what can be done in order to improve the evaluative process. In sum, this paper presents and discusses not only what we have learned, but also how to learn through evaluation.
|
|
Educational Evaluation Across Nations: Methodological and Conceptual Issues Confronting a Cross-country Delphi Study
|
| Presenter(s):
|
| Hsin-Ling Hung,
National Taiwan Normal University,
hsonya@gmail.com
|
| Yi-Fang Lee,
National Chi Nan University,
ivanalee@ncnu.edu.tw
|
| James W Altschuld,
The Ohio State University,
altschuld.1@osu.edu
|
| Abstract:
The impact of globalization suggests that our knowledge of other parts of the world needs to be regularly reviewed. Consequently, there is rising interest in understanding the state of educational evaluation, especially in Asia-Pacific. A cross-country study provides evaluators with international interests an opportunity to learn the state of educational evaluation in the region.
The Delphi technique has been widely employed in various disciplines. Despite different opinions about the Delphi method, generally, it is a good vehicle for collecting expert opinion from a group whose members cannot meet effectively face to face. The modified electronic Delphi study is especially appropriate for a cross-country study involving experts residing in different time zones.
This presentation intends to describe the methodological and conceptual issues (the recruitment of participants, instrument development, language, and cultural diversity) in this cross-country Delphi study. Additionally, problems encountered in cross-country collaboration and strategies for resolving problems will be covered.
|
|
Challenges and Good Practices in Evaluating Anti-child Labor and Basic Education Programs Worldwide
|
| Presenter(s):
|
| Katharine Wheatley,
Macro International Inc,
katharine.a.wheatley@orcmacro.com
|
| Lisa Slifer-Mbacke,
Macro International Inc,
lisa.c.slifer-mbacke@macrointernational.com
|
| Abstract:
This presentation explores the evaluation of anti-child labor and basic educations projects in developing countries worldwide, with an emphasis on the appropriate selection and application of evaluation methodologies, as well as quality control. It is based upon a comparative study conducted for the U.S. Department of Labor of more than 20 mid-term and final evaluations of projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America during 2005-2007, as well as evaluators' reflections upon the experience. The evaluations used multiple methods, including document reviews, comparative data tables, key informant interviews, group interviews, site visits, and classroom observation. In some cases, participatory evaluation methodologies were employed. The evaluations were conducted under often difficult environmental conditions, and by various evaluators, presenting quality control challenges. The paper presents lessons learned and good practices in evaluating anti-child labor and basic education programs worldwide.
|
|
Undergraduate Education in Vietnam: Insights Gained From an Evaluation of Vietnam's Postsecondary Education From a Cross-national Perspective
|
| Presenter(s):
|
| Peter J Gray,
United States Naval Academy,
pgray@usna.edu
|
| Lynne McNamara,
Vietnam Education Foundation,
lynnemcnamara@vef.gov
|
| Phuong Nguyen,
Vietnam Education Foundation,
phuongnguyen@vef.gov
|
| Abstract:
This paper discusses the Vietnam Education Foundation Initiative on the Status of Undergraduate Education in Vietnam. The purposes of the Initiative are (1) to assess current conditions of teaching and learning in computer science, electrical engineering, and physics at four select Vietnamese universities; (2) to identify opportunities for improvement; (3) to assist in implementing changes in Vietnamese higher education; and (4) to produce models that can be adopted across academic fields and institutions in both Vietnam and elsewhere. The Initiative used a cross-national perspective to conduct qualitative case study research at the four universities. Five critical areas in need of reform were identified: undergraduate teaching and learning, undergraduate curriculum and courses, instructors, graduate education and research, and assessment of student learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness. Opportunities for improvement and scenarios for change are offered in relationship to the issues identified in each of the areas.
|
| | | |