~AEA Public Library

How Mixed Methods Evaluation to Assess Teachers’ Learning Practices Help Design Behavior Change Interventions in Morocco Secondary Schools 

10-19-2020 11:49

This paper and study combines, in a rigorous yet pragmatic way, a mixed methods research and evaluation design (e.g., Schoonenboom & Johnson, 2017) to find the modality of learning used by average secondary school teachers in Morocco, plus physical and perceptive determinants influencing their approach. Given that the objective is to design a future development assistance intervention based on a model of behavior change (e.g., Michie, 2011), the mixed method approach becomes quintessential to ensure objective yet also subjective and contextual information is gathered to provide the fullest picture of a practice and surrounding behaviors. The quantitative component uses mostly actual observation by trained observers during a typical classroom session, in a standardized and demanding protocol that includes six iterations as opportunities for teachers to demonstrate their learning mode. This is complemented by a reflective rubric by the observer of what they say according to a set number of criteria, plus a full teacher survey that registers socio-demographic information and asks for influences, motivations, attitudes and other determinants of their observed behavior. The quantitative piece is then completed by a series of focus group discussions and key informant interviews with teachers themselves, their school principals, inspectors and other authorities, and groups of students themselves, all of whom will have a chance to express their Capabilities, Opportunities and Motivations/perceptions, according to the COM behavior change model. The study constituted a form of “baseline” to provide key information on what occurs in three regions of Morocco as part of a pilot Integrated School Improvement Model (Modèle Intégré d’Amelioration de l’Enseignement Secondaire) to be developed in 90 secondary schools in the near future. The results of the study are encouraging and reveal how important it was to use both types of investigative methods to ensure that not only actual behaviors were found, but additionally to obtain extremely rich contextual, historical, cultural, personal and professional information of both factual and attitudinal nature to complete the picture with an almost tangible richness that will be extremely useful for the pilot project as well as for policy and decision makers. Hence, the study combines a well-accepted Research and Evaluation methodology, with attractive and modern Behavioral Science instruments, to provide all assurances that a future intervention will not only be making typical physical investments, but will pursue social and behavior changes (SBC) that might make the difference between a short-lived and a sustainable development assistance to the country.

Statistics
1 Favorited
18 Views
2 Files
0 Shares
7 Downloads

Related Entries and Links

No Related Resource entered.

Tags and Keywords

Attachment(s)
pdf file
Poster presented to the AEA 2020 virtual conference on Mi...   1.19 MB   1 version
Uploaded - 10-19-2020
This is a poster of the accepted presentation, with all the information.