Evaluating the benefits of lifelong learning: a framework

This publication, the second in the series, sets out the framework for effectively evaluating policy initiatives which are designed to promote lifelong learning and to produce wider economic and non-economic benefits. It is structured as follows: chapter one outlines the main issues covered in this paper, drawing distinctions between monitoring, evaluation and modelling; chapter two discusses the approaches to evaluation that are located within the social science literature as well as evaluation methods that have more of a management perspective, and brings together the similarities and differences between these two approaches to evaluation; chapter three provides an overview of measuring relevant outcomes, both learning outcomes and their wider benefits; chapter four focuses on research design; chapter five covers the statistical analysis; chapter six shows how the cost-benefit analysis can be used to provide an economic assessment of interventions; and the final chapter sets out the conclusions and recommendations. The chapters are: Introduction; Types and styles of evaluation in lifelong learning; Outcomes from lifelong learning interventions; Designs for impact evaluation; Estimating impact using statistical modelling; Cost-benefit analysis; Conclusions and recommendations. Also included are three appendices: (1) Data sources for monitoring lifelong learning; (2) Systems representation of a lifelong learning programme; (3) Stufflebeam scheme of evaluation comparisons.

This publication, the second in the series, sets out the framework for effectively evaluating policy initiatives which are designed to promote lifelong learning and to produce wider economic and non-economic benefits. It is structured as follows: chapter one outlines the main issues covered in this paper, drawing distinctions between monitoring, evaluation and modelling; chapter two discusses the approaches to evaluation that are located within the social science literature as well as evaluation methods that have more of a management perspective, and brings together the similarities and ...  [+] Show more