Research Programs

Programs

Assessment and Reporting: Humanities and Social Sciences

ACER conducts research into the assessment and reporting of a wide range of educational outcomes (academic and social). This work, undertaken for clients nationally and internationally and in support of ACER's own tests and assessment programs, includes the refinement of test constructs; studies of test validity and reliability; assessment methods and formats; psychometric analyses of test data; and methods for item banking, online test delivery and reporting.

There are two Assessment and Reporting research programs: Humanities and Social Sciences and Mathematics and Science. The Humanities and Social Sciences program focuses on cross-curricular skills such as literacy, critical thinking, interpersonal development and verbal reasoning; and subject-based disciplines such as English and Studies of Society and Environment. The Mathematics and Science program focuses on cross-curricular skills such as numeracy and abstract, scientific and quantitative reasoning as well as mathematics and science subject-based disciplines.

Many of the research activities span both areas; others are unique to one or the other.

Assessment and Reporting: Mathematics and Science

There are two Assessment and Reporting research programs: Humanities and Social Sciences and Mathematics and Science. The Mathematics and Science program focuses on cross-curricular skills such as numeracy and abstract, scientific and quantitative reasoning as well as mathematics and science subject-based disciplines. The Humanities and Social Sciences program focuses on cross-curricular skills such as literacy, critical thinking, interpersonal development and verbal reasoning; and subject-based disciplines such as English and Studies of Society and Environment.

Many of the research activities span both areas; others are unique to one or the other.

Higher Education

The Higher Education Research Program deploys ACERâ€™s unique and independent research capability to measure and evaluate higher education inputs, processes, contexts and outcomes. Our applied research is conducted in Australia and globally for institutions and governments, and a wide range of other clients. Projects focus on admissions and outcomes testing, large-scale surveying, student engagement, research training and teaching quality, demographic modelling and planning, workforce and leadership capability assessment, designing quality assurance systems, analysis and reporting of complex data, and policy analysis and review.

International Surveys

The work on international large scale surveys undertaken by ACER draws on staff expertise in sampling, survey management, scaling methodology, survey data analysis as well as the interpretation and reporting of results from international comparative studies. Current projects undertaken by the International Surveys research program includes the management and coordination of the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the IEA Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) and the IEA International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS).

National Surveys

The National Surveys team at ACER conduct a number of large-scale surveys that involve nationally-representative samples of students - Australian students or students in other countries. This work involves expertise in sampling and weighting of representative samples, survey design and implementation in multiple formats, managing the collection and marking of secure assessments in multiple subject areas, data analysis and reporting of results with a national focus to a variety of audiences.

Current projects being managed by the National Surveys team include Australiaâ€™s participation in the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), the Progress of International Reading Literacy Survey (PIRLS), supporting the participation of other nations and economies in these international comparative studies through the provision of marking, analysis and reporting, and other surveys of the Australian student population in areas as diverse as student well-being through to knowledge of primary industries in Australian society.

The overall focus of ACERâ€™s Educational Monitoring and Research Division is to provide research evidence to improve learning across the lifespan. Researchers work on a range of projects that focus on early childhood through primary and secondary school, VET and higher education, examining key issues around improving teaching and learning, analysis of policy and evaluation of a variety of programs for both students and educators.

Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation

Program evaluation is fundamental to improving educational outcomes. ACERâ€™s Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation team contributes to the development of high quality policies and programs in education and allied fields, such as public health, in several ways. We design and implement effective evaluations using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods. We conduct original research that contributes to evidence-based policies and programs. We undertake analysis of policies and practices for both government and non-government organisations. We work closely with schools, businesses and community groups to help them identify need, collect data, monitor programs, and measure the impact of their policies and practices in relation to their objectives.

Psychometrics and Methodology

ACER has established this new research program to provide high quality psychometric and data analytic support to projects; manage externally commissioned data analysis/methodology projects (including the national analysis of NAPLAN); and undertake, publish and present research on psychometric and other quantitative research issues.

Systemwide Testing

Research focuses on identifying more effective ways of monitoring achievement across entire education systems, providing more usable school-level reports and providing better feedback to teachers and parents. Projects are designed to provide educational decision makers with improved information about student learning. The activities include the development of test materials, psychometric analysis and reporting, consulting, training and research.

Teaching, Learning & Transitions

The Teaching, Learning & Transitions research program focuses on the interconnections between education and training, the labour market, and the wider society. It involves research on the impact of participation in education and training on transitions in different domains (education, labour market and social), as well as the ways in which occupational, skill and social changes influence education and training policies. The program includes analyses of education policies and policy areas that impact on education in order to assess policy impact and effectiveness.

The program has a particular emphasis on the transitions that young people make within and from secondary school and vocational education and training. Transitions from the age of about 15 to their mid-20s are profoundly important. During this time young people generally establish their careers, move out of their parentsâ€™ home and attain adult status. The research examines a range of transition outcomes, the interactions between them, and the causal influences involved. The intent is to improve the knowledge base supporting policy making, especially for those who experience a problematic transition.

Areas of staff expertise include data collection and analysis, the economics of education, the sociology of education, and vocational education and training policy. Projects include research contracts and consultancies for governments, policy organisations, and education and training providers in Australia and overseas.

School tests