Evaluation of the General Employability Skills Program using mixed methods in Delhi

Client Name: Quest Alliance

LocationNew Delhi

Background ContextQuest Alliance, with support from Central Square Foundation, implemented a General Employability (GES) skills program for students in classes 9, 10, and 11 in Delhi Government Schools. This pilot program, implemented in 250 Government schools, 20 schools where it’s being monitored, began in July 2017 and concluded in February 2018. Given the global P21 Competencies for 21st-century skills, the program represents employability through five key competencies:

  • Engaging with English
  • Communication and Collaboration
  • Digital & Information Literacy
  • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking and
  • Life and Leadership Skills.

Objectives

CSF commissioned Development Solutions (DS) to undertake a baseline and end-line assessment at the beginning and at the end of the 40-day program. The objectives of the study were to: 

  1. Assess change in learning outcomes and school readiness among students who have undergone the program, as compared to those who have not undergone the program.
  2. Understand stakeholder perspectives on the program, challenges in implementation and recommendations for scale-up.

Approach and Methodology

  • Method/ Design: The assessment used a mixed-method design, comprising the following:
    • Quantitative survey with students and trainers for the impact assessment: Closed-ended questionnaires were self-filled by students and trainers
    • Monthly reporting by trainers: As a part of the routine monitoring process of the program, trainers were expected to fill a closed-ended format every month, to report on the status of completion, management of sessions, student engagement, systems and support.
    • Classroom observations: Classroom observations were undertaken by a local Quest Alliance staff. Following each observation, an observed format was filled.
    • Qualitative interactions: Focus group discussions were undertaken with trainers and students during the trainer’s community meets organized by Quest Alliance and school visits undertaken by Development Solutions.
  • Key Respondents/ Informants: Students, trainers and classroom observations. 
  • Key Areas of Inquiry: Understanding employability and employability skills, career plans of children, the usefulness of GES Module, digital literacy skills, students’ confidence in using the English language, communication skills of the students, problem-solving and critical thinking, life and leadership skills, students’ perspective of GES,
  • Sample: Quantitative Survey: 5477 students and 41 trainers were surveyed for baseline, 3903 students and 32 trainers were surveyed in the end line, Qualitative: 5 Focus group discussions.

Impact

The evaluation enabled insights into the successes and challenges of the GES program. Recommendations were provided for scaling of the program within Government schools in Delhi.

Contact

17/109, Lower Ground Floor, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar IV, New Delhi – 110024

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