The study is generating a wide range of valuable data, including longitudinal and cross-sectional survey datasets on young people and schools’ experiences and attitudes, as well as qualitative data from young people, teachers, and school leaders.

Read more about our research design and data

This data is being analysed using a range of techniques. The survey data is being analysed using statistical techniques such as multilevel modelling and structural equation modelling. The case study data is being analysed using qualitative content analysis methods (with the assistance of qualitative analysis computer software).

Both the quantitative and the qualitative data analysis are underpinned by the research goals and foci. CELS (see The study) aims to assess the short- and long-term effects of citizenship education on students, to explore how different processes (at school, teacher and pupil level) can impact upon differential outcomes, and to identify how the potential for effectiveness of citizenship education can be increased.

During the analysis, CELS links the various responses we have received from the school, teacher and student questionnaires, interviews and group discussions, and focuses on examining:

• the extent of students’ exposure to and experiences of, citizenship education
• the development of citizenship skills and understanding as individual students move through secondary school and how this influences the opportunities for participation in, and actual participation in school and wider community activities
• changes in the perceptions of young people over time, as citizenship education becomes embedded in schools
• practitioners’ views on citizenship education (its implementation, delivery and monitoring) and related training (its availability, quality and applicability) and how their views change over time

Using these analytical foci and methods, CELS therefore provides a way of understanding:

• the implementation of citizenship education in schools
• the place of such education amongst other citizenship-related socialisation experiences in young people’s lives
• the background factors which may moderate the potential impact of citizenship education in schools, and
• the kinds of outcomes which can be expected to result from citizenship education in school, as well as from other citizenship-related experiences.

To find out more about CELS please contact:

David Kerr
Project Director
d.kerr@nfer.ac.uk