Centre Region Education Community of Practice Advances Three Systematic Reviews

Members of the Centre Region’s Community of Practice (CoP), established under the Unlocking Data Initiative, are progressing from developing systematic review protocols to screening research studies, an important step towards strengthening evidence-informed education decision-making in Cameroon.

Coordinated by eBASE Africa, the Community of Practice brings together education stakeholders to examine research evidence and its relevance to foundational learning, particularly foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN).

Following earlier training on systematic reviews and the development of three review protocols, CoP members recently participated in a hands-on workshop to learn how to screen studies systematically. The workshop focused on understanding and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria established in each protocol, introducing participants to the EPPI-Reviewer platform and allocating studies to the three working groups.

The three reviews address critical education priorities: the influence of coordination and accountability mechanisms on foundational learning outcomes; the effects of teacher training and pedagogical supervision on teaching practices and pupil learning; and effective inclusive education strategies for learners with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Central and West Africa. The reviews follow methodological standards from the JBI

During the workshop, participants received practical guidance on screening titles and abstracts, recording decisions and resolving differences in study selection. The training also introduced the REAP application, supporting participants in accessing research insights and engaging with evidence resources and evidence community.

With studies allocated to participants, title and abstract screening began immediately after the workshop. This marks a significant transition from protocol development to the practical work of identifying relevant research that will inform the reviews.

Through this process, eBASE Africa and the Community of Practice are strengthening local capacity to produce and use reliable research evidence, with the ultimate goal of supporting better-informed education policies and improved foundational learning outcomes in Cameroon.