Book
Third Research Report on Vocational Training Research in EuropeEdited by P. Descy and M. TessaringCedefop2005
The Foundations of Evaluation and Impact ResearchISBN 9289602783€25
Evaluation of Systems and ProgrammesISBN 9289602791€25
Impact of Education and Training,ISBN 9289602775€25
The Value of Learning: Evaluation and Impact of Education and Training(Synthesis Report)ISBN 9289603364€40
The Third Research Report on Vocational Training Research in Europe,by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop),addresses the contribution of education and training to realizing a knowledge-based society in Europe. It specifies the material and non-material benefits of learning for individuals, enterprises and society as a whole. It also discusses ways of improving the design and implementation of education and training by purposeful evaluation.
The research provides an overview of:
the main functions and uses of evaluation, the philosophies and theories,qualitative and quantitative methods of evaluation, and research at micro and macro levels;
the tools and approaches for evaluating and comparing education and training systems, for accompanying the implementation, and assessing the outcomes, of programmes and reforms; and
impact research, quantifying the material and non-material benefits of education, training and skills at the level of nations and regions, plus their contribution to enterprise performance and their influences on the lives and careers of individuals.
The Third Sesearch Report comprises three publications: a background report, which is itself in three volumes – The Foundations of Evaluation and Impact Research, Impact of Education and Training,and Evaluation of Systems and Programmes – a synthesis report and an executive summary.
The synthesis report discusses:
the theories and philosophies underlying evaluation and the use of evaluation for developing vocational education and training programmes;
how evaluation supports the implementation and assessment of education and training reforms and of more targeted interventions such as active labour-market policies, on the basis of case studies, country and international examples and best practice; and
research results on the benefits of education and training for society,companies and individuals. These benefits include better labour productivity and economic growth for firms, lower crime rates and greater cohesion in society,and better health and more contentment for individuals.
The synthesis report reviews the history and level of evaluation activity in various European countries, and the most common standards applied by evaluators.
