Research Focus Areas
The research fellowship program will focus on key areas of interest that align with PAL Network’s mission and goals. These research focus areas are designed to support PAL Network’s commitment to generating actionable insights and driving positive change in foundational learning.
These areas include:
Assessing Learning Outcomes and Educational Equity
- Research projects that evaluate foundational learning outcomes across diverse contexts and populations.
- Studies that explore disparities in learning outcomes related to socio-economic status, gender, geography, school enrollment, and other factors, aiming to inform policies and practices that promote educational equity.
Understanding the Impact of CLAs on Educational Policies and Practices
- Investigations into how Citizen Led Assessments (CLAs) have been influencing educational policies and practices at local, national, and international levels.
- Research on the implementation and effectiveness of policy changes driven by CLA data, including case studies and comparative analyses.
Inclusive Assessments
- Focused studies on inclusive education practices regarding the assessment and improvement of foundational learning, including the development of common assessment tools for children with disabilities and children living in emergencies.
- Exploration and development of tools and strategies for integrating SEL in the common assessment tools, and understanding how these skills impact overall educational outcomes.
- Research that addresses the challenges of reaching and assessing marginalized groups, including those in remote or underserved areas or those in emergency settings.
Analyzing Longitudinal Data to Track Learning Progress Over Time
- Research projects that utilize longitudinal data to monitor and analyze changes in learning outcomes over time.
- Studies that explore the long-term impacts of educational interventions on children’s foundational learning, applying equity lens.
Research Related to Communication and Advocacy
- Analysis of the visibility and effectiveness of PAL Network's communication and advocacy efforts, including social media posts, blog visibility, and website traffic.
- Research on strategies to increase engagement, reach, and influence, with a focus on understanding audience demographics and preferences.
- Evaluation of geographic distribution of traffic and engagement, and identifying areas for improvement in outreach and impact.