ERIC Number: ED224166
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1982-Feb
Reference Count: 0
The Use of Assignment and Transportation Models in Evaluation. Research on Evaluation Program. Paper and Report Series No. 68.
Caulley, Darrel N.
Presented here are two models that can be used to solve distribution problems, such as assigning teachers to students, teachers to courses, or special students to schools. The models, the assignment model and the transportation model, are termed evaluation models under a definition of evaluation that delineates its function as that of serving decision-making. The paper offers step-by-step procedures for the use of both models. The models are applicable to assignment problems where there is a variable to be optimized, such as teacher satisfaction. In the example used to demonstrate the assignment mode, students are assigned to teachers in a way that matches them up with the students they request as much as possible. The transportation model is like the assignment model but with added constraints. The example of the transportation model given assigns teachers to sections and courses when a certain number of sections must be taught and a certain number of class periods are available. The author concludes that the advantages of these models are that they give a better solution than can be obtained by inspection and they take teachers' wishes into account regarding assignment. Computer use of the models is mentioned. (Author/JM)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Guides - Non-Classroom
Education Level: N/A
Sponsor: National Inst. of Education (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, OR.
Identifiers: Assignment Models; Teacher Course Assignment; Transportation Models
Note: Figure 10 will not reproduce due to small print of