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The Economic Analysis and Performance Research Centre:
This centre provides expertise in the development of statistical models for exploring the uptake and funding of learning, the assessment of education and skills performance, the mapping of demand for and supply of education, and the generation of intelligence across the education and skills sector. It specialises in undertaking research to inform the development of funding policy and support its implementation on the front line. The research centre incorporates the Statistical Analysis and Survey Unit which is experienced in undertaking complex quantitative studies, statistical reporting and survey research. Please see below for further details on the services and activities carried out by the unit.
For more information on related research or services, please contact:
Christian Amadeo Principal Researcher – Economic Analysis and Performance
Telephone: 020 7492 5190
Email: camadeo@lsnlearning.org.uk
Statistical Analysis & Survey Services Unit
The Statistical Analysis & Survey Services Unit at LSN provides advice and expertise for internal and external projects across two key areas:
Statistical analysis
The unit comprises of a team of analysts and statisticians that are experienced in undertaking complex quantitative studies on a range of topic areas in relation to the education sector, skills, labour market and economic conditions. All analysts and statisticians are skilled in undertaking statistical analyses and investigations using a wide range of specialist software´s such as SPSS as well as mapping applications including GIS mapping tools. They hold a comprehensive library of databases which is updated regularly to ensure the latest sources are used for research. The team is responsible for undertaking all statistical analyses and investigations as well as delivering quantitative support for project work.
Survey Research
The unit leads on survey research for LSN and possess software that allows both paper-based questionnaires and online surveys of all sizes to be undertaken. As a means of supporting survey requirements of projects and programmes, specific survey services are provided such as sampling, planning questionnaires and offering expertise in designing questions, distributing surveys in multiple formats (paper-based and online web links) and collecting all survey responses. Information and data collected are comprehensively analysed and reported on through project reports and publications.
For more information on Statistical or Survey research services, please contact:
Silvia Munoz
Statistical Analysis and Survey Unit Manager/Senior Statistician
Telephone: 020 7492 5167
Email: smunoz@lsnlearning.org.uk
Current and Previous work
Costs and Benefits (Ongoing)
This project will review how arrangements for the organisation, control and funding of education have been made in England since 1976, and how best to make them in the future. Topics to be covered will include: Distinguishing between policy that is based in ideology and policy that is based on evidence, and highlighting how a route can be forged towards the latter; predicting whether the cycles of change in organisation, control and funding of education in England will continue, and investigating opportunities for settlement; highlighting the uniqueness (or not) of these cycles of change and identifying positive examples from other countries of stasis and/or of change management. The project will conclude early in 2010.
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Lifelong Learning Sector: Labour Market Information Research (2009)
This project entailed a synthesis of all research and labour market information relevant to Lifelong Learning UK’s (LLUK) workforce into a consistent set of factsheets for the purpose of providing accurate careers advice. The project was initiated in response to a new requirement for all Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) to provide a ‘core offer’ of labour market information. Research undertaken through LLUK’s Sector Skills Agreement (SSA), further research into the workforce, and existing careers information were brought together into a format accessible to information, advice and guidance practitioners. The factsheets will be used to underpin services offered by the Adult Advancement and Careers Service (AACS) in England.
Participation in the learning and skills sector: A summary of research findings (2006)
This review set out to produce a synthesis of the key research findings about learners’ participation in post-compulsory education. It aimed to bring together the key findings from research activity into this topic carried out by the Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA), and other relevant research undertaken since 2001.
Download a copy of Participation in the learning and skills sector: A summary of research findings here
Learner retention and achievement: Summary of research finding (2006)
This report provides a handy single source which concisely summarises reliable research evidence relevant to learner retention and achievement in the English learning and skills sector. It does not purport to provide a comprehensive literature review of the area, but rather to set out as briefly as possible what we know about what causes learners to leave mid-programme, or stay the course but fail to qualify, and what policy-makers and providers might best do to remedy matters.
Download a copy of Learner retention and achievement: Summary of research finding here
Securing success: Setting targets and monitoring (2006)
This report presents findings from an investigation into effective practice in target-setting, monitoring and supporting learner progress in post-16 education and training. It examines evidence of effective practice in these areas across a range of provision in schools, colleges, work-based learning, and adult and community learning, illustrated by a number of case studies. The report is intended to support the implementation of the New Measures of Success sponsored by the DfES, LSC, Ofsted and ALI as part of the Success for All initiative.
Download a copy of Securing success: Setting targets and monitoring here
Improving participation at 17+ (2005)
This report presents the outcomes of an investigation into effective ways in which learning providers can help to sustain young people’s continued participation in education and training at 17+, after the first post-compulsory year. It complements Participation by 17 year olds (LSDA 2004), a preliminary systematic review of the factors that influence participation in the second year of post-compulsory education or training. The project was undertaken as part of the strategic research programme contract between the Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for 2004/05, and took place between October 2004 and June 2005.
Download a copy of Improving participation at 17+ here