Foundational Learning Data for Impact:
Mastering Analysis, Interpretation and Communication
The second one-week residential course will be held at the University of Cape Town from 9 to 13 June 2025. This five-day course aims to improve your skills in data cleaning, data analysis, data interpretation and the communication of research findings. Through lectures and hands-on sessions, you will learn how to manage your data effectively in Stata while gaining proficiency in addressing common analytical and communication challenges in educational research. This course will focus specifically on Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) data, but the skills taught in this course are valuable for anyone working with education assessment data.
Who is the course for
This course targets experienced professionals who analyse education assessment data, including research staff from education ministries, university researchers, and technical teams implementing reading assessments. The course is designed for participants proficient in Stata with a reasonable quantitative literacy level and research experience. While participants must have Stata experience, we offer pre-course support to help participants refresh their skills if necessary. The course will be conducted in English.
What you will learn
This five-day course aims to equip participants with the skills and insights to analyse, interpret and communicate foundational learning data effectively.
Key focus areas include:
- Strategic Communication
Learn to identify communication objectives, define key audiences, and craft evidence-based messages aligned with specific policy goals. - Data Cleaning and Analysis
Enhance your ability to efficiently manage, clean and transform data into a well-structured and analysis-ready format, and to effectively identify and remedy common errors in EGRA data. - Data Interpretation
Understand how to avoid common pitfalls in data in data analysis, account for and communicate uncertainty effectively, and appreciate challenges with the metrics used to convey and compare learning outcomes. - Data Visualization
Discover core principles of data visualization, including how visualization enhances comprehension and the essential design elements needed to tell a story with data. - Writing for Non-Specialist Audiences
Develop skills in clear, simple writing for maximum impact with policymakers and other non-technical audiences.
Course structure
The course combines lectures, hands-on data analysis, small group sessions, and individual and group exercises. During these sessions, you will critically evaluate examples of effective and ineffective data visualization and evidence communication, identifying common pitfalls and misconceptions along the way. Data analysis sessions will use real-world EGRA data. Participants are encouraged to bring and work with their data, where relevant.
Building a community of practice
One of our key goals is to strengthen the community of professionals working with foundational learning data across Africa. Networking opportunities will be provided through group exercises, social events during the week, and ongoing support in the months following the course, with online sessions designed to help you continue applying your new skills in your work.
Course facilitators
Professor Cally Ardington is the director of DataFirst at the University of Cape Town. She is a Professor in the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) in the School of Economics. She has extensive experience in the design, management and micro-econometric analysis of social surveys and quantitative (experimental and quasi-experimental design) impact evaluations. Her current research focuses on emergent and early literacy and numeracy, social-emotional skills and executive functioning amongst kindergarten and primary school children.
Dr Linda Zuze is a Zambian economist with over 15 years of experience in policy research at both the local and international levels. She holds both a PhD and a Master's degree from the University of Cape Town. She has worked and published extensively on topics that address inequalities in education, labor markets, and access to financial services. Her current focus is on strengthening African early-grade reading assessments, analyzing gender dynamics in education, and promoting the inclusion of children with disabilities.
Prerequisites
This course is designed for participants who are already proficient in Stata, with a reasonable level of quantitative literacy, and research experience. While prior experience with Stata is required, we offer pre-course support to help refresh skills. The course will be delivered in English.
How to apply
Online application is open. Spaces are limited, and you will be notified if your application is successful. The closing date for applications is 15 March 2025.
The hub will cover flights, visas (maximum of R2500.00), accommodation, meals, and local transportation for selected participants. For inquiries or further assistance, please contact Alison Siljeur.