Preliminary workshop

Before the local researchers started their case study research, a workshop was held in London in September 1997. The purpose was to establish a common approach and methodology, so that all case studies would be undertaken long the same lines and the resulting data would be comparable. Specifically the aims of the workshop were:

· to discuss and identify the factors that determine information provision and delivery, in the context of access modalities at the school level;

· to explore and discuss concepts and methods of evaluation and their appropriateness for assessing the performance and impact of access modalities;

· to provide researchers with the opportunity to develop, present and discuss their research strategies;

· to develop and agree:

- a common methodological framework on which to base each case study;
- a timetable for completion;
- details of data presentation.

One day was spent on issues in case study strategy, including objectives of providing access, factors in providing access, ways of modality analysis, ways of evaluation, types of data and methods of data collection. Researchers then prepared and presented a research strategy for their particular case study. Finally a common framework and timetable for the case studies was agreed and common data collection instruments designed.

It was agreed that each case study would be submitted by the end of December 1997 and would cover the topics listed below:

· country context: socio-economic situation; educational policies and practices; information provision modalities in general and in particular at the school level;

· background of modality: stakeholders/objectives/CSFs; origins, history, development; functions; governance; target user populations;

· methodology: choice and rationale; methods used in data collection and analysis; sample; problems;

· analysis: collection development; staffing; physical facilities; finance; use;

· evaluation: measures of cost, effectiveness and user satisfaction; assessment of effectiveness; impact;

· conclusions: overall assessment; future prospects; future strategies.