Quality assurance - ECML programme evaluation

These pages present the general scheme for the programme evaluation of the European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe. The purpose of the scheme is to establish a common institutional basis to standardise and professionalise evaluative methods and facilitate dialogue with relevant partners and stakeholders. The framework is expected to be consistent with internationally accepted evaluation norms, standards and good practices. To this end, the ECML is building on its current capacity and know-how.

The ECML needs to prove to its stakeholders that the Centre functions efficiently and effectively and that its work is relevant and of high quality. To do this requires an evaluation procedure in which stakeholder interests are established, indicators of achievement are set, outcomes are defined and confirmed and evidence and data collection instruments are implemented in a systematic way.

Thus, the framework seeks to increase transparency, coherence and efficiency in generating and using evaluative knowledge for reflective and formative practice in the programme and as such within and across all projects of its programme. Following this approach, the framework will facilitate effective results-oriented management and improve accountability.

SCHEME FOR ECML PROGRAMME EVALUATION Key Terms The components of the framework EVALUATION OF PROJECTS EVALUATION OF PUBLICATIONS SUPPORT PLANNING & REPORTING TOOLS for  • coordinators  • participants  • consultants QUESTIONNAIRES  • for teams  • for participants   Editorial Board Web based Reader's Feedback  • Peer review  • Reader's questionnaire Materials    Please check the column to the right for detailed information!

As a result from the application of the introduced scheme in the medium term, improvement in the management practices and the processes, outcomes and outputs of projects and the programme as a whole is expected. Envisaged improvements are:

• more systematic use of evaluation and self-evaluation;
• follow-up of evaluation findings and recommendations;
• synergies and knowledge-sharing;
• regular feedback from project teams and the participants in the ECML’s activities;
• more information on the impact of the Centre’s activities and products.