Our impact | Our Outcomes Framework | Program Outcomes

Our impact

Research and Evaluation

A key priority for Ardoch is to build the evidence base that shows the impact of our work.

From time to time, and with the support of funders who understand the value of measuring our impact, Ardoch undertakes external evaluations of our programs.

Literacy Buddies® and Numeracy Buddies Program Evaluation

NOUS Group, 2018.
For a copy of the full report, please contact Adele Stowe-Lindner, National Programs Manager at [email protected]

Classroom Volunteers Evaluation

Helping children realise their potential: a study of Ardoch’s community education volunteers report. Completed by Equity Economics (2017).

Evaluation of Numeracy Buddies program

Completed by Alison Peipers Consulting (2015).

Evaluation of Learning through Lunch program

 

Completed by ORIMA Research (2019)

Our Outcomes Framework

Ardoch uses an outcomes framework that is common to all of our programs to measure the impact of our work.

Ardoch’s programs are mapped to the learning outcomes in the Australian curriculum. In each of our programs we seek to make a positive impact on one or more of the following factors that support positive educational outcomes: confidence, academic progress, aspiration, social wellbeing and engagement.

Together, the goals under each of these factors represent our Outcomes (CASE) Framework. To learn more about the impact of our programs, as evidenced through our evaluation process against this Framework, please visit Program Outcomes.

Confidence

We measure students’ confidence in their ability to learn and any improvement in students’ comfort in trying any new environment or experience.

Academic Progress

We measure improvement in the practice of specific skills that are identified in the curriculum.

Aspiration

We measure students’ aspirations to learn and explore opportunities beyond school.

Social Skills and Wellbeing

We measure improved skills in communicating with peers and adults and reflecting on identity.

Engagement

We measure engagement, incorporating a desire and interest to participate in classes, in school attendance, the specific topic the program is delivering and in continued education post-school.

Program Outcomes

We measure our program outcomes using a range of methodologies and conduct internal and external evaluations to assess the impact of our programs.

For internal evaluation purposes we ask each teacher, volunteer and, where age-appropriate, student to complete a survey questionnaire about their program experience. Using a consistent methodology, but tailored to each program, the surveys aim to test the extent to which the program activity has had an impact on one or more components of our outcomes framework.

From time to time Ardoch commissions external evaluations of our programs. The published results of these evaluations can be found on our Research and Evaluation page.

Here is a snapshot of just some of the impacts of our programs, measured using our outcomes framework.

Confidence

In students’ ability to learn and comfort in trying any new experience.

Pathways Beyond School—Learning Through Lunch

86% of teachers reported that most students tried new foods.

Education Volunteers

Teachers reported that after just six months with Ardoch volunteer support, 79% of students showed greater confidence in their ability to learn.

Numeracy Buddies

63% of teachers credited student participation in Numeracy Buddies with contributing to the typical student making strong progress and gaining self-belief, a better understanding of their strengths and greater persistence.

Academic Progress

In specific areas of the curriculum.

Education Volunteers

Teachers reported that after just six months with Ardoch volunteer support 67% of students showed greater improvement in academic competence than their teachers anticipated.

Literacy Buddies®

70% of teachers credited student participation in Literacy Buddies with contributing to 53% of the students progressing twice as much as expected in a six-month period. 34% of those made two years’ academic progress.

Robotics

63% of students could name a key fact about robotics after the program.

Aspiration

To learn and explore opportunities beyond school.

Pathways Beyond School—Industry Visits

85% of students could name a job they were interested in learning more about after participating in an Industry Visits excursion.

Pathways Beyond School—Mock Interviews

67% of students participating in the Mock Interviews said ‘I think I am more likely to try and get a part-time or full-time job.’

Pathways Beyond School—You-niversity

93% of students named one thing they would like to study as further education when they finish school after they had gone on the You-niversity excursion.

Social Skills and Wellbeing

Improved skills in communicating with peers and adults and reflecting on identity.

Pathways Beyond School: Learning Through Lunch

77% of teachers said most students made eye contact and asked and answered questions during the program.

STEM experiences

96% of teachers said their students displayed significant cooperation with one another at the STEM excursion.

Writer in Residence

61% of students said they took turns and worked with other students productively during the term.

Engagement

Increased engagement in classes and learning.

Pathways Beyond School—Industry Visits

81% of students said they asked questions on their Industry Visits excursion.

Early Language and Literacy

86% of education volunteers said they agreed or strongly agreed that student engagement with learning had increased.

Education Volunteers

Teachers reported that after just six months with Ardoch volunteer support, the behaviour of 57% of students had improved.