Tracer studies

This micro-course targets a wide range of stakeholders, interested in learning about Tracer studies, or currently involved in designing, implementing or monitoring tracer studies. The aim of the course was to provide a good hold on design and development of tracer studies, including data collection and analysis and presentation and dissemination of results to concerned users. This course helped to comprehend and practice critical design steps, methodological procedures, develop questionnaires, techniques and approaches to conduct tracer study. It supported participants to establish realistic timelines, identify resources required, and assign roles and responsibilities to the involved stakeholders. OBJECTIVES The main objective of this course was to help participants preparing to carry out tracer studies in their respective professional environment with a practical, output-oriented, quality-assured approach. Upon completion of the course, participants had all the necessary tools to: • plan and design a tracer study with clear objectives; • develop the questionnaires and roll out the data collection phase; • analyse data, interpret and present results and apply self-evaluation. CONTENT MODULE 1 - PREPARING FOR A TRACER STUDY • Key concepts, terminologies/definitions • Tracer study - basic steps, timeline, work tasks & minimum requirements • Setting key objectives of tracer studies • The design cycle MODULE 2 - ROLLING OUT A TRACER STUDY • Questionnaire modules for a tracer study • Questionnaire development • Data collection methods MODULE 3 - ANALYZING AND PRESENTING THE RESULTS OF A TRACER STUDY • Data analysis – recommended software, techniques and approaches • Interpretation of results and practical conclusions • Presentation and dissemination of results • Self-evaluation of study quality METHODOLOGY This micro-course was designed according to a learner-centred and practice-oriented approach in order to better involve participants and keep them motivated. It was highly interactive and engaging, using different methods throughout the three weeks of the course to genuinely provide practice opportunities, make the content interesting, relevant and entertaining. Each module was made up of interactive and practice-oriented activities, which took the participant through a systematic learning journey from practice of simpler to complex concepts, and a proficient know-how on how-to design, and conduct tracer study in a specific context. The course featured interactive practice activities through easy-to-reference infographics, how-to exercises, methodological templates, group work, webinars with experts, self-reflection questions and interactive quizzes. Through coffee-room discussions and peer-to-peer projects, participants also had the opportunity to learn from international experts and engage in knowledge exchange and co-creation with fellow participants.