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Form of workJob Description
Purpose: To conduct a study of the impact of IREX’s Learn to Discern (L2D) program approach. Although IREX and others have used diverse approaches to evaluate L2D, several important gaps in our knowledge of its impact persist. The goal of this impact study is to increase our understanding of the role of teachers as change agents in multiplying the impact of the Learn to Discern educational model.
About IREX: IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. Details are available at www.irex.org.
About Learn to Discern: Learn to Discern empowers individuals, communities, and institutions to build resilience to manipulative information and other threats in the information landscape. It does so by increasing awareness and knowledge, and developing skills and behaviors to participate in the digital space without harm to their own and others’ wellbeing, dignity, and humanity. It enables them to:
Identify and use quality information to make decisions
Recognize and mitigate the impact of manipulative information
Curb the spread of manipulative information to others
The L2D approach builds digital resilience through emotional control and cognitive reflection, critical and analytical thinking, empathy, and other mental habits to overcome intuitive yet addictive and highly manipulative features of today’s informational ecosystem. It builds technical skills such as cross-checking information and verification techniques. It also provides techniques for overcoming social incentives for negative information engagement, such as the desire for validation or belonging. Our curricula cover these and other contextually relevant topics.
SCOPE OF WORK
The Research Partner will:
Collaborate with IREX technical and program staff in designing and planning an Impact Evaluation, including refining the evaluation questions, developing the evaluation design and data collection methods, adapting and developing assessments, creating the overall workplan roles and responsibilities, and carrying out analysis and reporting.
Coordinate with an in-country research firm to conduct sampling according to the study plan developed in consultation with IREX.
Conduct quality control of the dataset received from the research firm.
Ensure that the research firm provides routine updates on the number of assessments completed within the sub-categories of the target population (age, gender, education level, disability, minority group/linguistic group).
Ensure that the research firm produces a high-quality dataset and full documentation of the data collection methodology including detailed sampling results.
Conduct appropriate analyses of the dataset including multiple regression analysis, data visualization, interpretation of results in partnership with the IREX technical and program staff.
Provide deliverables described below.
IREX Information Integrity and Resilience team will:
Provide background documents and previous L2D evaluation reports.
Provide IREX current survey instruments and protocols.
Closely collaborate with the selected Research Partner throughout the entire process to ensure successful administration of data collection.
Contract local data collection firm and lead the overall management of this firm.
Review the fieldwork process with the Research Partner and assist with quality control of received documents and fieldwork, including the number of involved field-operators.
Facilitate coordination between IREX country office colleagues and the selected Research Partner.
Participate in interpreting initial analysis results.
DELIVERABLES
The Research Partner will produce the following deliverables according to the timeline provided by IREX:
Research Design Document: The Research Partner will produce a draft Impact Evaluation design document (including logic model) detailing the research methodology (data collection and analysis) as well as draft assessments to be submitted to IREX for review followed by an updated version for final IREX approval prior to the data collection stage. The consultant will also prepare documents needed to secure IRB approval of the study. (Weeks 1-3)
Data Collection: Prior to data collection, the Research Partner will develop a sampling plan and data collection protocol. The Research Partner will train the local research firm on this protocol. Following data collection, the Research Partner will collaborate with the local research firm to produce a detailed report (8-10 pages) of the sampling and data collection process including documentation of limitations and adaptations made to the original design as well as a clean final dataset in Excel format. (Weeks 4-8) *
Final Report: Produce a 15-20 page final report that captures the research design, findings and overall impact of the project evaluated. A draft of the final report should be submitted at least a week before the final report is due. (Weeks 9-12)
*Timeframe is flexible based on the final research methodology.
Skills and Experience:
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis: Ability to analyze data using statistical software (like R, Python, or STATA) and interpret qualitative information.
Research Design: Capability to design evaluations, with experimental and quasi-experimental designs, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and other evaluation methodologies is crucial.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex findings to various stakeholders.
Critical Thinking: Ability to think analytically and critically, identifying potential biases and flaws in evaluation methodologies.
Project Management: Skills in managing timelines, resources, and teams, especially for larger evaluations.
Previous Evaluation Work: Experience in conducting Impact Evaluations or related research.
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