M31 Research is proud to collaborate with Jigsaw Education and Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa in a transformative research project aimed at optimising Teacher Professional Development (TPD) in Zambia's Central Province. This initiative, running from January 2025 to July 2026, seeks to design a scalable, institutionalised TPD model tailored to government systems in low- and middle-income countries. The project aligns with our commitment to delivering high-quality data and insights that drive evidence-based educational interventions and systemic change.
Our Role in the Project
M31 Research will play a critical role in supporting data collection and research implementation. Our responsibilities will span baseline data collection, ongoing monthly observations, mid-point data collection, and endline assessments. These phases are designed to provide a comprehensive view of the project's impact and inform adjustments during implementation. The team will follow a structured plan to ensure seamless execution across all stages, providing Jigsaw Education and TaRL Africa with reliable and actionable insights.
Comprehensive Data Collection
The project will involve multiple rounds of data collection, including baseline data to establish key benchmarks, monthly observations to track progress, mid-point assessments for mid-course refinements, and endline data collection to evaluate overall outcomes. These efforts will ensure that the research generates robust evidence to support the development of an effective and scalable TPD model.
Skilled Field Team Deployment
M31 Research will deploy a dedicated team comprising five enumerators and one supervisor, carefully selected for their expertise and familiarity with the local context. Enumerators will be proficient in local languages, including Bemba, Lenje, Nyanja, and Tonga, ensuring effective communication and accurate data collection. Furthermore, we are committed to maintaining gender balance within our team, fostering inclusivity, and enhancing the quality of interactions with participants.
Training and Capacity Building
To ensure the enumerators are well-prepared for their roles, M31 Research will conduct comprehensive training sessions covering research ethics, survey methodologies, and data collection tools. This training will include a one-day field test to validate the tools and refine the team’s readiness. Our approach emphasises building capacity and empowering field teams to maintain high data collection standards throughout the project.
Quality Assurance Mechanisms
Maintaining data quality is central to M31 Research's approach. The project supervisor will oversee field activities, providing real-time guidance and support. Data will undergo routine verification checks for completeness, consistency, and accuracy, including GPS verification to ensure geographical precision. Weekly debriefing sessions will be conducted with the enumerator team to address challenges, share lessons learned, and refine strategies where necessary.
