Short Learning Programme: Practices of Evidence-Informed Decision-Making
Practices of Evidence-Informed Decision-Making
Purpose of Programme
Africa has much to gain from using high quality evidence to inform decisions made regarding development. The use of evidence increases the effectiveness of policies, plans, strategies, interventions and their implementation. This SLP equips researchers, policymakers and practitioners with the skills needed to interpret, synthesise and use evidence in planning.
The purpose of this Practices of Evidence-Informed Decision-Making Short Learning Programme (SLP) is to prepare mid-level and higher government officials, practitioners, and researchers across sectors to apply evidence-informed decision-making to the real-world, everyday challenges faced by those working in South Africa and beyond.
Programme Overview
This SLP will be offered using a blended mode of delivery, allowing for online and face-to-face interactions with content, facilitators and fellow students. The SLP is Africa-relevant, focused on Africa-centred processes, actors and activities. It unpacks the principles, processes and practices of interpreting and using evidence effectively, and requires students to apply this learning to real-world situations that have relevance for the country and region.
The SLP foregrounds the crucial role of collaboration and co-production. It brings together peers from a diverse range of sectors and disciplines and fosters a network of learning that will last beyond the course duration.
COURSE STRUCTURE:
| ||
| WEEKLY TOPIC | ASYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITIES | SHOW OFF YOUR LEARNING! |
| Week 1: Orientation | Getting to know one another, course approach, and orientation on the course site | Video of self on EIDM interest |
| Week 2: What is EIDM, EIDM principles & EIDM motivations | Readings & watching videos Discussion forum
| Purpose of evidence use plan |
| Week 3: Histories and trends in EIDM | Watching videos Annotation of readings Discussion forum | Peer feedback |
| Week 4: What works to support evidence use | Watching videos Annotation of readings Discussion forum | Situation/context analysis of what counts as evidence |
| Week 5: What counts as evidence | Watching videos Annotation of readings Discussion forum | Peer feedback |
| Week 6: The value of evidence synthesis | Watching videos Annotation of readings Discussion forum | Plan to find and appraise relevant evidence |
| Week 7: Nature and types of decisions | Watching videos Annotation of readings Discussion forum Mid-course reflection | Situation/context analysis of decision-making |
| Week 8: Centrality of relationships in EIDM | Watching videos Annotation of readings Discussion forum | Mapping the evidence ecosystem |
| BREATHING WEEK | ||
Week 9: Co-creation in EIDM
| Watching videos Annotation of readings Discussion forum | Engagement strategy for one priority stakeholder or an issue |
| Week 10: Capacities for EIDM | Watching videos Annotation of readings Discussion forum | Capacity development for evidence use in your project |
| Week 11: Measuring EIDM | Watching videos Annotation of readings Discussion forum | Measuring evidence-use in project |
| Week 12: Evidence use plan | Work on your full draft evidence-use plan Discussion forum | Full draft of your evidence plan |
| Week 13: Presentations of evidence use plan | Presentations and peer feedback Discussion forum | Presentation of your evidence-use plan & peer feedback |
| Week 14: Concluding the course | Revise evidence-use plan Reflections on the course | Submit your evidence use plan |
Entry Requirements
In order to be eligible for the programme, you should:
- Have a Bachelor’s Honours degree or equivalent four-year degree and
- Have had prior appropriate exposure to practices in /of the evidence-informed decision-making ((EIDM) field, at the discretion of the course convener)
Assessment
Assessment in this programme comprises integrated project-based assessment that combines a variety of formative and summative assessment, and individual and group assessment will be used.
Timelines
The course is suitable for working professionals. It is run over 14 weeks and requires approximately 10 hours of study time per week. It includes a few contact sessions, with most of the course being facilitated online.
What will it cost me?
R16000
Application
Applicants that wish to apply for the Shot Learning Programme: Evidence-Informed Decision-Making must please use the Qualification token code – HUMSLP and it will appear where you can proceed to apply.
For more information regarding the application process, please contact csdainfo@uj.ac.za
For more information regarding the programme, please contact Khuliso Matidza on khulisom@uj.ac.za