{"id":11156,"date":"2023-06-05T14:20:37","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T13:20:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/altc.alt.ac.uk\/blog\/?p=11156"},"modified":"2023-06-15T10:45:37","modified_gmt":"2023-06-15T09:45:37","slug":"elesig-evaluation-and-innovation-in-education-the-path-to-continuous-improvement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/altc.alt.ac.uk\/blog\/2023\/06\/elesig-evaluation-and-innovation-in-education-the-path-to-continuous-improvement\/","title":{"rendered":"ELESIG Evaluation and Innovation in Education: The Path to Continuous Improvement\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Written by Dr Jim Turner (LJMU) Current Chair of ELESIG <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine a world where evaluation becomes the guiding light in educational innovation. This ELESIG event provided some insights into how to possibly achieve this through a presentation by Louise Goulsbra, the Digital Education Manager, Evaluation and Innovation at the University of Leeds. In this blog, we delve into her unique perspective on evaluation’s role in transforming education, the opportunities it presents, and the challenges we must overcome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who was speaking <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Louise Goulsbra is an experienced professional with over 20 years of expertise in the publishing and e-learning industry. As the Digital Education Manager, Evaluation and Innovation at the University of Leeds, she leads a team of data analysts and qualitative researchers, driving effective evaluation and innovation strategies. With a strong background in market research, strategy, and content development, Louise is passionate about leveraging sound evaluation practices to better serve learners in the dynamic landscape of digital education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What were the main points <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Mindset and method  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the realm of evaluation, it is time to see our mindset as just as critical as any method we might select. Conducting a successful evaluation goes beyond simply employing the right tools or following a prescribed approach. It requires an open mindset that embraces the opportunity to look afresh at each problem in an unbiased way. This mindset encourages us to approach evaluations with new eyes, free from assumptions about the solutions. It compels us to challenge preconceived notions and embrace curiosity, allowing us to uncover insights that may have previously been overlooked. By prioritizing mindset alongside method, we create an environment that fosters innovation, adaptability, and continuous learning, allowing evaluation to become a standard and integral part of our everyday work processes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Data dashboard improvements <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Improving the data dashboard emerged as a key theme, emphasising the significance of making it relevant and user-friendly. The goal is to ensure that the dashboard provides actionable insights and answers the critical questions that drive decision-making. By enhancing the usability and relevance of the data dashboard, organisations can empower stakeholders with the right information at the right time, enabling them to make informed choices and drive effective evaluation and innovation strategies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qualitative data <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One notable theme revolved around the importance of giving equal weight to qualitative data alongside quantitative data, despite a tendency to heavily rely on the latter. While quantitative data may be more easily accessible and readily available, it was acknowledged that qualitative data provides valuable insights that quantitative data alone cannot capture. However, challenges were recognised in terms of collecting and processing qualitative data, highlighting the need for dedicated efforts and resources to ensure its effective integration into evaluation and innovation practices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for thinking through evaluation <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is a summary of some of the tips for those working in this area.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n