Theory of Change: Debates and Applications to Access and Participation in Higher Education

by Samuel Dent (Editor), Anna Mountford-Zimdars (Editor), Ciaran Burke (Editor)

Overview

Theory of Change speaks to those looking for an academically rigorous discussion of the origins and debates around this approach in Higher Education. Melding together robust academic research with examples of practice, the book provides specific applications of using a Theory of Change across key stages of the student life cycle.

The Theory of Change underpinning this book is that national and international practitioners, policy makers, higher education professionals, students and academic faculty will increase awareness and ability to use a Theory of Change in their own work. This, in turn, will mainstream the use which will lead to better interventions and practices. In the field of access and participation in higher education, it will ultimately lead to more disadvantaged students entering and successfully progressing from higher education.

This book helps to establish a common lexicon around a Theory of Change approach and enable discussion of demonstrable, meaningful reflections on the ‘change’ work has on inequalities in higher education access and participation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781800717909
Publisher:	Emerald Publishing Limited
Publication date:	05/09/2022
Series:	Great Debates in Higher Education
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	5.08(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.42(d)

About the Author

Samuel Dent PFHEA is Head of Academic Development at Staffordshire University.

Anna Mountford-Zimdars PFHEA is Joint Director of the Centre for Social Mobility at the University of Exeter and a Trustee of the SRHE

Ciaran Burke is Associate Professor of Higher Education at the University of the West of England.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Samuel Dent, Anna Mountford-Zimdars, and Ciaran Burke
Section 1. Debating Theory of Change in HE
Chapter 1. How do we know What we think we Know – And Are We Right? Five New Questions about Research, Practice and Policy on Widening Access to Higher Education; Neil Harrison
Chapter 2. Theory of Change as Model Building: Identifying Contexts and Mechanisms as our Focus for Evaluation; Jill Hanson, Greg Brown, and Julian Crockford
Section 2. Applications of Theory of Change in Access and Participation
Chapter 3. Using Theory of Change to Enhance Evaluation and Evidence; Joanne Moore, Vicky Cotterill, Anna Davey, and Anna Mountford-Zimdars 
Chapter 4. Using Theory-Based Approaches to Embed Evaluation within a Small Specialist Performing Arts Institution; Jon Rainford and Vanessa Baptista
Chapter 5. Putting Theory of Change to Practice: Evaluating a Collaborative Widening Participation Programme; Catherine Kelly
Chapter 6. Student Led Change: Creating Authentic and Engaging Experiences for Staff and Students; Luke Millard, Julie Blackwell Young, and Daniela Bandeva
Chapter 7. Broadening Access: Embedding Social Change Leadership; Kantha Dayaram, Reena Tiwari, and Subhadarsini Parida
Conclusion: Top Tips for Putting Theory of Change into Practice; Samuel Dent, Anna Mountford-Zimdars, and Ciaran Burke