Browsing by Author "Fleisch, Brahm"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The value of large-scale randomised control trials in system-wide improvement : the case of the Reading Catch-Up Programme
    (Education Association of South Africa, 2017) Fleisch, Brahm; Taylor, Stephen; Schoer, Volker; Mabogoane, Thabo
    This article illustrates the value of large-scale impact evaluations with counterfactual components. It begins by exploring the limitations of small-scale impact studies, which do not allow reliable inference to a wider population or which do not use valid comparison groups. The paper then describes the design features of a recent large-scale randomised control trial (RCT) evaluation of an intermediate phase literacy intervention that we evaluated. Using a rigorous sampling process and randomised assignment, the paper shows the value of the approach, and how the RCT method prevents researchers from reaching potentially harmful false positive findings. The paper also considers some of the limitations of the RCT method and makes recommendations to mitigate these.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Working-class high school learners' challenge to change : insights from the equal education movement in South Africa
    (University of South Africa Press, 2016) Robins, Steven Lance; Fleisch, Brahm
    Hargreaves (2002) suggested that vigorous social movements have the potential to improve the quality of (and increase the equity in) public education. This paper explores the role of Equal Education, an education social movement in South Africa led by university students and secondary school learners, in the process of educational change. Drawing on interviews with the organisation’s founding members, organisers and secondary school learners, the paper examines how the organisation/social movement embodies what Oakes and Rogers (2007) describe as ‘learning power’ and in the process contribute to improvement in public education.