Research & Evaluation
As an experienced researcher, with extensive experience in qualitative research and evaluation, I can support you in finding and analysing evidence to answer the ubiquitous ‘so what?’ question – particularly where metrics simply can’t provide the answer.
Recent Projects
Beyond the Metrics - Evidencing Higher Education’s Intangible Assets
Project Funder The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)
Year 2021 - 2022
Consultancy Role Commissioned to review and update the 2019 Beyond the Metrics project materials and create new materials to support the identification and evaluation of intangible assets in HE – things that we know are of key importance but can’t necessarily be counted or measured in quantifiable terms.
Deliverables including:
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An introduction to the methodological underpinnings of the approach
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Guidance and resources for identifying intangible assets and evidencing their value
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Worked examples and case studies of the approach in practice
Degree Apprenticeships in England – current practices in design, delivery and quality management
Project Funder The Office for Students (OfS)
Year 2020 - 2021
Consultancy Role Commissioned to undertake qualitative research
to explore degree apprenticeship stakeholders’ views on ‘well-designed’ degree apprenticeship programmes and ‘high-quality’ apprentice learner experiences and to explore how universities were using and/or adapting their internal quality management processes to ensure the quality of their apprenticeship programmes.
Deliverables including:
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Engagement with a range of stakeholders – universities, employers and apprentices to gather the research evidence for the report
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A published research report
Selected Publications
Smart, S., Cleaver, E. and Robertson, R. (2020) ‘Beyond the metrics: the importance of intangible assets in the HE context. Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice. 8 (2) Available: https://doi.org/10.14297/jpaap.v8i2.432
Cleaver, E., McLinden, M., Lintern, M. and Birch, A. (2020) ‘The scholarship of teaching and learning as a foundation for strategic educational transformation’ in R. Plews & M. Amos (Eds.) Evidence-Based Faculty Development through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. IGI Global.
Senior, R., Cleaver, E., Queiros. G., King, H. and Barnett, K. (2020) ‘Doctoral Apprenticeships and the ladder of opportunity’. Higher Education, Skills and Work-based Learning. 10 (4). Available: https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-12-2019-0170.
Cleaver, E. & Wills, D (2017) ‘Connecting Research and Teaching through Curriculum and Pedagogic Design’ in Fung, D., Carnell, B. & Tong V. (eds) Developing the Higher Education Curriculum: Research-Based Education in Practice. London: UCL Press. Available: http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt1xhr542
Parkes, S., Blackwell-Young, J. & Cleaver, E. (2016) ‘Making partnerships work: practical strategies for building successful collaborations’. In H. Webster, J. Kelsall & M. Schneider (eds) Connecting the Dots: Collaboration across learning support professions to enhance student learning. Innovative Libraries Press.
Cleaver, E. (2022) Degree apprenticeships in England: current practices in design, delivery and quality management. Office for Students and Department for Education.
Cleaver, E. (2022) Teaching and Learning Centres: Insights from the International Sector. A rapid review and briefing paper prepared for Hussein Technical University and the British Council, Jordan.
McLinden, M & Cleaver, E. (2021) Embedding Inclusivity in Subject Benchmark Statements: guidance for panel chairs and advisory panel training materials. Quality Assurance Agency.
Cleaver, E. & McLinden M. (2021) A Launch Pad for Future Success: Using outcomes-based approaches to scaffold the pandemic year and build for the future. What Matters, What Works, What’s Next? Findings from our Sector Survey. QAA Membership Resources.
Cleaver, E. & McLinden M. (2021) A Launch Pad for Future Success: Using outcomes-based approaches to scaffold the pandemic year and build for the future. Reflection and Planning Resource collection. Quality Assurance Agency - Quality insights Resources.
Cleaver, E. & McLinden M. (2021) A Launch Pad for Future Success: Using outcomes-based approaches to scaffold the pandemic year and build for the future. Case study collection. Quality Assurance Agency - Quality insights Resources.
Robertson, A. Cleaver, E., & Smart, S. (2019) Final Report: Beyond the metrics: charting the intangible aspects of enhancement in the age of accountability. QAA Scotland.
Raban. C., Challis, M. & Cleaver, E. (2018) BMA Learning: Maintaining Standards. Project Report and Quality Assurance Handbook. British Medical Association.