Scoping and Validation Study for a Collective Initiative to Strengthen Teaching and Learning in African Higher Education
Funding
Sub-Saharan Africa
2024-2025
Higher Education
Scoping Studies I Knowledge Management & Continuity
Introduction
Paeradigms conducted a scoping study for ACU, INASP, and PASGR, examining the potential integration of three SPHEIR projects: PEBL, TESCEA, and PEDAL. Harnessing their combined strengths, the aim was to propose a unified initiative amplifying ongoing reforms in African universities.
Objectives
Paeradigms was brought in to:
Determine how the reform tools from the three projects could be unified into a single initiative addressing the needs of African universities.
Create a coherent package using proven tools and processes.
Differentiate between supporting existing project participants and new beneficiaries.
Background
The collaborative initiative, encompassing PEBL, TESCEA, and PEDAL, aimed to capitalise on the established reforms supporting African universities over the past five years. Over 15 specific reform tools and processes have been identified across these projects, forming the basis for a potential new regional HE initiative.
Approach
Paeradigms’ methodology involved:
Landscape review: Conducted a high-level landscape review to pinpoint similar ongoing or planned initiatives.
Leadership consultation: Consulted African HE leaders in two phases to assess demand and refine the new initiative.
Evaluation of existing methods: Evaluated the current approaches and tools from the three projects for potential consolidation and identification of gaps.
Outcome
Paeradigms successfully delivered:
Comprehensive insights from the landscape review highlighting other parallel initiatives.
Feedback from African HE leaders and faculty on the proposed new initiative’s design and relevance.
Recommendations on tools and processes to be included or excluded from the unified initiative.