[Formative evaluation of education]

The formative evaluation tries to obtain, analyze and furnish information over the planning and development of a course, which is brought about through a continuous performance of the students during the course. This method allows for the adoption of corrective measures with reference to the course (presentation of other learning opportunities, preparation of instructive materials, revision of curriculum, etc.) and with reference to the student (studies prescribed). The formative evaluation may be fulfilled by means of repeated tests which the student himself will correct and, subsequently, will discuss with the professor; it can also be processed by means of the students self-evaluation, interacting with computer terminals. CLATES/Rio presents its experience employing minicomputers to allow for self-evaluation in bioscience courses.