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Training on evaluation methods

This area provides information about training on evaluation methods and provides access to training resources. It divides into four sections.

• Introduction
• Training in policy evaluation and analysis
• Teaching and learning methods
• Evaluation seminars
• National School of Government courses
  

Introduction
A range of types of evidence and evaluation are used in evidence-based policy making, drawing upon a number of research methods and research designs (see Research and Evaluation). The area of policy evaluation and analysis is well established and constantly developing in terms of the application of various social scientific techniques to different types of policy intervention. This presents a challenge to both the customers/users of policy evaluation, and the researchers and analysts who undertake policy evaluation and analysis, to keep abreast of developments in the field.

Training in policy evaluation and analysis
The Government Social Research Unit has developed a range of training and professional development opportunities for the 'intelligent' customer and the 'intelligent provider' of policy evaluation and analysis. These modules can be taken as stand alone professional development opportunities, or in combination, to meet the learning needs of students. For those students who wish to gain academic credit for this training and professional development, each module will carry CAT accreditation. This will make it possible for those students who wish to do so to work towards a Master's level degree in Policy Analysis and Evaluation.

Teaching and learning methods
A central feature of the proposed modules, and of the MSc in Policy Analysis and Evaluation for those who would like to pursue this goal, is the principle of teaching and learning by problem based learning. This builds the teaching and learning around students' needs and work-based problems for which they require solutions.

Assessment of students' competence will be by project based work such as research dossiers, extended essays, problem-solving exercises, literature searches and critical appraisal exercises, and worked exercises.

For further details about this training and professional development programme, please contact Ricky Taylor.

Evaluation Seminars
Government Social Research Unit runs policy evaluation and technical methods seminars for government analysts and policy makers. The Evaluation seminar series invites government and academic researchers to speak about methodology and practice. The Technical Methods seminars cover in more depth specific methodologies such as propensity score matching and theory based evaluation.

National School of Government courses on policy evaluation and analysis
Regular courses are run in Sunningdale and London on analytical skills and evaluation methods including:-

• Evaluation of public programmes and policies - designed to give participants a thorough understanding of the methodologies available for the evaluation of government programmes and policies.
• Economics for policy making - designed for Non-economists who contribute to analysis of, and who need a context and rationale for, policy decisions.
• Improved specialist contribution to policy - designed for Specialists who contribute analysis to aid policy formation, or who manage or are managed by generalist administrators.
• Introduction to evidence based policy making - designed to provide an understanding of the need to use evidence at all stages of the policy process.
  
• Overview of evidence based policy making - provides an overview of the purposes and practicalities of basing policy on evidence)
  
• Practical statistical skills - provides a basic introduction to statistical techniques most commonly used to convert raw numerical data into understandable facts.
• Presenting data and analysing statistics - designed for staff with some numeracy and spreadsheet experience who wish to gain skills in this area because of their work responsibilities.
• Quantitative methods for policy management - designed for people on the fast stream and other development programmes the course is intended to provide an understanding of some essential statistical concepts, and an appreciation of the use of other quantitative methods in both management and policy work.

Visit the National School of Government portfolio for further details