Evidence

The Case for Cultural Learning: key research findings
Our key research findings are designed for all our members to use to support, advocate for, and shape their own practice.

Based on consultation with our members, funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and building on the work of the DCMS CASE review the Cultural Learning Alliance has conducted a wide ranging survey of existing English language data on the instrumental outcomes of cultural learning.

Using only evidence from cohort studies with large sample sizes (typically 12,000) and research with control groups we can emphatically say there are instrumental outcomes which cultural learning delivers.

Other examples of evidenced work
It is essential for all of us working in this field to understand what makes a cultural experience successful, how practice can be improved, and the outcomes that have been achieved for children and young people.

We have selected ten reports to profile here which show the impact and effects of cultural learning as well as professional development for teachers. Some also demonstrate how Local Authority commissioners can work with the cultural sector. 

Send us your evidence
If you have evidence of the impact of your cultural learning work and would like to share that with us, Please e-mail us at info@culturallearningalliance. Make 'Evidence' the subject of your e-mail, include your contact details and a short description of the project and impact that has been evidenced. Enter the website details for the evidence report if there iif you have one, otherwise we'll be in touch to receive a copy from you.

Evaluate and analyse
We can recommend a couple of tools that you might be able to use to gather and analyse your evidence:

• Inspiring Learning for All is a self-help improvement framework that has been developed for museums, libraries and archives. A significant part of this framework helps to provide evidence of the impact of your activities through the Generic Learning and Generic Social Outcomes.
• Partnerships for Learning is designed to help organisations and individuals evaluate arts education projects.

Case Studies
To view our growing selection of cultural learning case studies you can visit the Practice section of our site.

Stories and testimonials
Teachers, politicians, artists, business leaders, cultural professionals, young people and policy makers have all been in touch to tell us why cultural learning has made such a difference to their lives. Read and view their stories here - or upload your own!