The research fellowship program will be structured to foster a dynamic and inclusive research environment, ensure flexibility, accommodate various research needs, and support a range of research projects and professional development stages. Below are the key components of the fellowship structure:
Duration: The fellowship will last for 3 to 6 months, allowing for focused, intensive research.
Number of Fellows: The program includes cohort of 3-6 fellows at a time.
Research Fellowship Types: The program will offer different categories of fellowships to attract a diverse range of researchers:
Postdoctoral Fellowships
Early-Career Fellowships
Senior Fellowships
Graduate Fellowships
Designed for recent PhD graduates who have completed their doctorate within the last 2-3 years. These fellowships will support innovative research projects and help build the fellows’ professional networks.
Targeted at researchers with 1-5 years of experience. These fellowships will focus on individuals looking to establish themselves in the field of educational research and assessment.
Aimed at established researchers with significant experience in the field. These fellowships will leverage the expertise of senior researchers to tackle complex research questions and mentor early-career fellows.
Designed for graduate students who wish to use PAL's data for their thesis projects or to consider PAL for their internship projects. The thesis topics and internship projects must align with PAL's priorities.
Research Focus Areas
The research fellowship program will focus on key areas that align with PAL Network’s mission and goals. These research focus areas are designed to support PAL Network’s commitment to generate actionable insights and drive 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.
Organizational Strucure
The research fellowship program is governed by a committee and supported by mentors
Fellowship Committee
The fellowship committee will be responsible for overseeing the selection process, evaluating proposals, and providing overall governance for the fellowship program. This committee will be composed of:
- Coordinator: The Research Manager or a designated person will serve as the fellowship coordinator, overseeing the program’s administration and ensuring alignment with PAL Network’s strategic goals.
- Representatives from Relevant Units: Members from the Assessment, Advocacy, Action, and Research units to provide a comprehensive perspective on the research needs and alignment with PAL Network’s mission.
- External Advisors: Optional inclusion of external experts or partners who can provide additional insights and ensure the selection process maintains high standards.
Mentors
Depending on the fellowship focus and type, mentors may include:
Senior Fellows: Experienced researchers within PAL Network who can provide guidance and support.
Assigned PAL Colleagues: Staff members from relevant sectors within PAL Network, such as Assessment, Advocacy, Action, or Research units.
Country Members: Representatives from member organizations in various countries, providing local insights and support.
External Supervisors: In collaboration with external parties, mentors or supervisors may include academic partners, government officials, or experts from relevant fields, enhancing the fellows’ research experience and integration into broader networks.
Support and Resources
The research fellowship program at PAL Network will provide comprehensive support and resources to ensure the fellows have a productive and enriching experience. The key components of support and resources include:
Mentorship and Professional Development
- Mentorship: Each fellow will be paired with a mentor from PAL Network or a partner organization. Mentors will provide guidance, support, and feedback throughout the fellowship, helping fellows navigate their research projects and professional development.
- Workshops and Training: Fellows will have access to capacity-building workshops and training sessions on topics such as research methodologies, data analysis, academic writing, and policy engagement. These sessions will be designed to enhance the fellows' skills and knowledge in key areas.
Financial Support
Fellows will receive a monthly stipend to support their living expenses during the fellowship period. The amount will vary based on the fellow's academic status and the nature of the fellowship.
Access to Data and Resources
- Data Access: Fellows will be given access to PAL Network's rich dataset, including data from Citizen Led Assessments (CLAs) and other relevant sources.
- Research Tools: PAL Network will provide access to necessary research tools and software, such as R, Stata, and other data analysis programs. Fellows will also have access to online databases and libraries for literature review and research purposes.
Collaboration and Networking Opportunities
- Cross-Unit Collaboration: Fellows will have opportunities to collaborate with different units within PAL Network, including Assessment, Advocacy, Action, and Research units. This interdisciplinary approach will enrich the research experience and promote knowledge sharing.
- External Partnerships: PAL Network will facilitate connections with external partners, including academic institutions, NGOs, and government agencies if required. These partnerships can provide additional resources, data, and opportunities for fieldwork or collaboration.
Evaluation and Feedback
- Performance Review: Fellows will participate in regular performance reviews with their mentors and the fellowship program coordinator. These reviews will provide constructive feedback and ensure that fellows are on track to achieve their research objectives.
- Final Report and Presentation: At the end of the fellowship, each fellow will be required to submit a comprehensive report and present their findings to PAL Network staff and partners. This will provide an opportunity to showcase their work and contribute to the organization's knowledge base.
Administrative Support
- Onboarding and Orientation: Fellows will receive a thorough onboarding and orientation to familiarize them with PAL Network's mission, values, and operational procedures.
- Logistical Support: PAL Network will assist with logistical arrangements, including workspace, access to office facilities, and coordination of field visits or data collection activities.