What is LEARN?
The LEARN program provides an opportunity for scholars to enhance their research skills, contribute to significant educational improvements, and collaborate with a network of global experts.
The LEARN (Leverage Empower Advance Research Network) program is designed to strengthen research capacity in Ghana and Colombia. It aims to enhance academic excellence by focusing on building advanced research skills and knowledge among early and mid-career scholars. The program is an initiative of the School of Education at Universidad de los Andes, University of Cape Coast, and NYU Global TIES for Children. It is an international program conducted in English, starting in 2025 and ending in 2027, funded by the Jacobs Foundation. This program is structured around several key objectives:
- Methods strengthening: LEARN is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of Ghanaian and Colombian scholars through training initiatives. These include annual methodological workshops and monthly seminars that target techniques and methods in psychometrics, evaluation methods, mixed methods, longitudinal methods, and proposal writing.
- Global and local network building: The program provides resources and opportunities for scholars to engage with both global educational networks and local research communities. This dual approach facilitates the exchange of ideas and builds an international research network.
- Practical application: Scholars are expected to apply techniques to ongoing research projects that pertain to child development and/or educational challenges in their communities.
Benefits of joining LEARN:
- Advanced research training: Participants receive targeted training in research methodologies and practices, enhancing skills in areas such as mixed methods, psychometrics, evaluation, and longitudinal studies.
- Access to local and global networks: You will have opportunities to connect with and become part of local and global educational and research networks.
- Mentorship opportunities: The program provides mentorship from international senior researchers and academics to help scholars navigate research projects, proposals, and publications.
- Resource support: You will gain access to material and financial support for international conference travel and attendance and methodological training and support.
Member expectations:
- Active participation: You are expected to actively participate in all scheduled workshops, seminars, and training sessions.
- Collaboration: You should collaborate with other members of the network as well as with mentors and experts.
- Research contribution: You are expected to conduct high-quality research that aligns with the objectives of the LEARN program.
- Feedback and evaluation: You should provide feedback on the training and resources provided by the LEARN program. You are also expected to participate in evaluations aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the program.
Eligibility criteria:
- You have obtained your PhD within the past 10 years.
- You are a faculty member, researcher, or scholar at an institution of higher education or a research institute in Ghana.
- You conduct high-quality research in an area related to education or child development.
- You are proficient in basic quantitative research methodologies, such as inferential statistics and regression.
- You are either proficient in English or have a desire to improve your language skills.
- You are committed to engaging with the LEARN Network and contributing to its activities.
Application process:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Submit an updated CV that includes your academic background, research experience, publications, and any relevant professional accomplishments.
- Expression of Interest (EoI) Application: Complete all sections of the EoI application form.
- Professional references: Provide the names and contact information of at least two academic or professional references.
- Pledge letter of support: Confirm that your current university or institute can provide a letter of support if you advance in the selection process.
Application Process
You must upload the information and documents to: https://forms.gle/CtaiAR7acVxBmHBw7
Review process:
The following selection criteria will be considered:
- History of application’s research outputs, focusing on quality, relevance, and impact
- Potential to lead and influence others in the scientific community
- Current and/or future potential for rigorous research methodologies
- Potential for promoting human development and learning
- Alignment of planned projects with the goals of the Jacobs Foundation
- Willingness to support the Jacobs Foundation’s aims and to engage with the LEARN program
Timeline:
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Call Timeline |
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10/18/2024 |
Deadline to apply for the call. |
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11/12/2024 |
Anticipated notification of acceptance to proceed to full application |
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Tentative Training Program Timeline |
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October 2025 |
Virtual monthly seminars |
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May 2025 |
International methods and networking workshop |
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Summer 2025 |
Week-long, in-person methods workshop (in Ghana) |
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School year 2025-6 |
Virtual monthly seminars |
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Summer 2026 |
Week-long, in-person methods workshop (in Ghana) |
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Fall 2026 |
Virtual monthly seminars |
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Winter 2027 |
Completion of the training program. |
Contact information:
Name: Dr. Christopher Yaw Kwaah
Email: ghana.learn@ucc.edu.gh
Phone Number: +233 244 88 0050
We appreciate your time and interest in LEARN and are excited to invite great scholars into our network with whom we can foster a more inclusive and dynamic academic community.