Best-evidence Synthesis (BES) represents an innovative approach in the field of educational research. It combines the pros of various evidence synthesis methods to provide clear and actionable insights. Unlike conventional reviews, BES prioritizes rigorous, transparent, and replicable methods for gathering and assessing research findings.
At its core, BES includes a systematic review, a methodical literature review that aims to identify, evaluate, and summarize all relevant studies on a particular topic. It follows a structured protocol to minimize bias and ensure that the synthesis of evidence is both reliable and valid.
Meta-analysis is another crucial component of BES. It combines the results of numerous studies to provide a quantitative summary of the evidence. By synthesizing high-quality research, BES supports practitioners in making informed choices that are grounded in solid evidence.
BES also aligns closely with evidence-based practice, which advocates for the use of the best available evidence to inform decision-making. By synthesizing high-quality research, BES supports practitioners in making informed choices that are grounded in solid evidence.
By utilizing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and rigorous evidence synthesis methods, BES ensures that decisions in educational practice and policy are based on the most reliable and relevant evidence.
List of recommended resources #
For a broad overview #
Principles of Evidence Synthesis Research
This article outlines the fundamental features of good evidence synthesis regardless of the precise time frame, topic or methods. It is believed that by promoting best practices among a range of organizations and sectors, the role of high-quality synthesized evidence in supporting well-founded policy decisions and public debate can be maximized.
Quality Teaching Early Foundations: Best Evidence Synthesis Iteration (BES)
This report gives an overview of the best evidence synthesis commissioned by the Ministry of Education in New Zealand. It is part of a commitment to strengthen the evidence base that informs education policy and aims to contribute to an ongoing evidence-based discourse amongst policymakers, educators, and researchers.
For in-depth understanding #
Best-Evidence Synthesis: An Alternative to Meta-Analytic and Traditional Reviews
This paper by Robert E. Slavin proposes an alternative to both meta-analytic and traditional reviews – “best-evidence synthesis”. This method combines the quantification of effect sizes and systematic study selection procedures with the attention to individual studies and methodological and substantive issues typical of the best narrative reviews.
This chapter by Adrienne Alton-Lee in The Education of Diverse Student Populations focuses on the Iterative Best Evidence Synthesis (BES) Programme – a collaborative knowledge building approach across policy, research, and practice in New Zealand.
Case study #
This study conducted by World Bank consists of four phases, starting with a desk study, followed by national-level discussions and field-level discussions and then evidence synthesis to design a framework for synergizing investments to achieve at least seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on poverty, hunger, health, education, gender, water and sanitation, and inequality in early years.
Success Factors for Reducing Maternal and Child Mortality
This study shares some effective approaches in addressing three main areas to reduce maternal and child mortality and highlights the role of evidence synthesis in contributing to global learning on accelerating improvements in women’s and children’s health towards 2015 and beyond.
