Teacher Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Educational Institutions of the City of Pärnu

Background

The City of Pärnu has a diverse network of educational institutions, including 14 general education schools with approximately 700 teachers, 15 kindergartens employing around 300 teachers, and 6 hobby schools with approximately 185 teachers. The figures also include the heads of educational institutions.

Objective

The aim of the study is to gather feedback on motivation systems in educational institutions, focusing on teacher motivation, recognition practices, and key motivators.

Methodolgy

The study is based on a survey conducted among teachers working in municipal educational institutions in the City of Pärnu. The total study population comprises 1,171 education professionals, including teachers, assistant teachers, teaching assistants, support specialists, and management staff.

Benefits

The results of the study will provide a foundation for improving teacher motivation and job satisfaction at both the institutional and city levels.

Project Client: City Government of Pärnu
Project Implementer: LevelLab

The Estonian Quality Agency for Education Partnership Study

Background

The Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA) is an autonomous organization operating since 2009 that assesses the quality of education and promotes a quality culture at different levels of education. HAKA acts as a strategic partner. Previously, there was no systematic overview of the satisfaction of HAKA partners, which is why it was necessary to understand in more detail how key stakeholders perceive HAKA’s activities and what their expectations are regarding the agency’s future development.

Objective

The aim of the study was to map and analyze the current reputation (credibility), impact (benefits), and development opportunities of HAKA from the perspective of partner organizations.

Methodology

Qualitative research methods were used to conduct the study. A total of 14 group interviews and 2 focus group interviews were conducted with representatives of HAKA partner organizations. In addition, a document analysis was conducted.

Benefits

The results help to understand how HAKA’s activities meet the expectations of its partners and what benefits they perceive from HAKA’s work, what the organization’s position is within the education sector, and how its activities could be more purposefully directed and developed.

Project Client: The Estonian Quality Agency for Education
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 04/25-06/25

Analysis of the Possibilities for Creating a Joint Study Information System for Estonian Universities

Background

Public universities in Estonia face several challenges in managing their study information systems, such as outdated technology, insufficient documentation, and dependence on specific development partners. One proposed solution is the creation of a shared study information system, which could help reduce costs, improve user experience, share resources, harmonize processes, enhance security, and ensure a quick response to legislative changes. In order to analyze the potential implementation of a joint system, it is necessary to identify suitable cooperation opportunities and funding models.

Objective

To support the identification of a suitable cooperation and funding model for the development of a joint study information system for universities, by analyzing and describing other similar cooperation models both between universities and more broadly, in other sectors.

Methodology

The study will employ qualitative data collection and analysis methods, including document analysis, individual and expert interviews, case analysis, and focus group interviews.

Benefits

The results of the study will help identify a suitable cooperation and funding model for the development of a joint study information system for universities. 

Project Client: Rectors’s Council
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 11/24-03/25

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Interim Evaluation of the Ministry of Education and Research R&D Programmes “Estonian Language Technology 2018–2027” and “Estonian Language and Culture in the Digital Age 2019–2027”

Background

The interim evaluation focuses on the Ministry of Education and Research programmes “Estonian Language Technology 2018–2027” (EKT) and “Estonian Language and Culture in the Digital Age 2019–2027” (EKKD), which support research and development related to the Estonian language and culture in the digital era. The programmes encompass both language technology development and research on language and culture, and their implementation is shaped by changes in the research and technological environment, including the rapid development of artificial intelligence and large language models.

Objective

The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the EKT and EKKD programmes to date by mapping the current state of the field and evaluating the extent to which the programmes’ objectives have been achieved, as well as their broader contribution to research and development in the areas of the Estonian language, culture, and language technology. In addition, the study aims to provide recommendations on how the Ministry of Education and Research should further develop research and development in the language field and whether and how it would be appropriate to fund such activities after the programmes end in 2027, taking into account global trends, limited financial resources, and the need to avoid duplication with other measures.

Methodolgy

The evaluation is based on a multi-layered data collection strategy that combines document analysis, interviews, focus groups, and the analysis of quantitative indicators.

Benefits

The interim evaluation provides a comprehensive overview of the programmes’ implementation to date and their contribution to achieving the set objectives. The evaluation report includes an assessment of programme performance as well as recommendations and proposals for future funding and operational models following the conclusion of the current programmes.

Project Client: Estonian Research Council (ETAG)
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 07/2025–02/2026

Comparative Analysis of the Governance and Organisation of the Academic Studies of Estonian Language and Culture Abroad (EKKAV) Programme

Background

The Academic Studies of Estonian Language and Culture Abroad (EKKAV) is a state programme that supports the continuous teaching of the Estonian language and culture at universities outside Estonia, along with related support activities. The programme aims to provide high-quality, modern and sustainable education at internationally recognised higher education institutions and memory institutions important to Estonia. The programme’s results framework envisages growth in both the number of learners and the volume of courses: by 2027, the target is 1,500 learners, more than 30 higher education institutions included in the network, over 200 supported courses, and more than 35 scholarship holders arriving in Estonia annually.

Objective

The objective of the analysis is to map and compare the operational and governance model of the EKKAV programme (2018–2027) with similar programmes in other small countries, focusing in particular on the structure of strategic governance and the distribution of roles and responsibilities between the programme funder, the governing body and the implementing organisation. The aim is to obtain an overview of practical governance practices and, based on this, to formulate clear recommendations and directions for improving the management and organisation of the EKKAV programme.

Methodolgy

The study uses qualitative methods, including document analysis and semi-structured individual interviews. Methodological triangulation increases the reliability of the analysis by enabling a comparison between the organisational and governance logic described in the documents and the solutions implemented in practice.

Benefits

The study focused on the international comparison of the EKKAV programme’s governance and operational model and on mapping good management practices. As a result, recommendations were developed to enhance the transparency of programme governance, reduce case‑by‑case decision‑making, strengthen cooperation with partner universities, and ensure the cost‑effective interplay of programme measures.

Project Client: Education and Youth Board
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 11/2025–01/2026

Analysis of the Education Network in Viru-Nigula Municipality

Background

Viru-Nigula Municipality needed input to prepare its education strategy for the years 2025–2029. 

Objective

The objective of the analysis was to provide an overview of the current state of the education network and institutions, and to offer proposals and solutions for potential changes and reorganisations, considering educational policy trends and agreements, long-term service demand forecasts (including demographic projections), and the municipality’s financial capacity. 

Methodology

The analysis was carried out through a document review based on materials provided by the client and information available from public sources. In addition, site visits were conducted to the municipality’s educational institutions, and focus group interviews were held with school leaders and municipal specialists. 

Benefits

Following the analysis, it is possible to assess which development or restructuring measures are needed in educational institutions from the perspective of the education network as a whole, taking into account accessibility, quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. 

Project contracting institution: Viru-Nigula Municipality
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 02/2024 – 06/2024

Analysis of the implementation of the Estonian Qualifications Framework

Background

The level descriptions of the Estonian Qualifications Framework (EstQF) are the basis for the structure of general, vocational and higher education curricula, the preparation of vocational standards and the consideration of previous studies and work experience. In recent years, it has become apparent that the current level descriptions are sometimes too general and do not sufficiently support curriculum development or the coherence of the vocational system. This makes it difficult for learners to move between educational levels, to grant a vocational qualification and to understand qualifications.

Objective

The aim of the study is to analyse the current implementation of the EstQF, assess its alignment with the actual needs of the education system, and develop updated and more applicable level descriptors.

Methodology

.The study employs qualitative methods: document analysis, comparison of international practices, and validation seminars. Document analysis helps to map the role and applicability of the EstQF level descriptors within the Estonian education and qualification system. The international comparison provides insights into how countries with similar education systems have structured and implemented their qualification frameworks, highlighting potentially transferable good practices. The purpose of the validation seminars is to evaluate the results of the analysis and support the development of substantively effective and realistic proposals for improvement.

Benefits

The result is substantively justified proposals that support the development of the EstQF into a coherent, user-friendly and internationally understandable framework that contributes to the growth of the competitiveness of the Estonian workforce and the better integration of education and the labor market.

Project Client: Ministry of Education and Research
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 05/25-09/25

Developing Feedback Surveys for the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences

Background

The Estonian Academy of Security Sciences needs to update its principles and procedures for collecting and considering feedback; the current process does not support the goal of improving the quality of education as desired. There are too many feedback surveys, they are conducted in different environments, and the analysis of the results is not consistent or evidence-based.

Objective

The goal is to develop a comprehensive feedback system and update the feedback surveys aimed at learners. The results of the work serve as the basis for the development and implementation of a new feedback collection and evaluation procedure for the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

Methodology

To develop the solution, a business analysis will be conducted, including interviews. Subsequently, prototypes of questionnaires will be developed, followed by the methodology for surveys, including a process description, research calendar, analysis methodology, technical implementation of data processing, and visualization solution.

Benefits

The developed solution supports the goal of improving the quality of education, being part of a broader internal and external assessment system. It will be web-based (secure and user-friendly), allowing clear visualization of results and their dissemination to different target groups. Participation in surveys will be limited to students of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

Project contracting institution: Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 12/2023 ‍– 03/2024

The processing tool for admission statistics at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences

Background

The Estonian Academy of Security Sciences wanted to implement an automated tool for processing admission statistics queries in the SAIS information system, which simplifies the processing of admission statistics, presenting them as compact data tables and visualizations.

Objective

The aim of the proposed solution was to create an Excel workbook, which takes as input structured data tables (for example, .csv extracts from the SAIS admission information system) or PowerQuery data queries from SAIS.

Methodology

The structure and functionality of the solution were designed during the requirements gathering process, which involved document analysis and interviews with representatives from the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences. During the interviews, the structure of the output worksheets, the formatting of tables, charts, and diagrams, as well as other necessary information, were clarified.

Benefits

The tool helps reduce the time spent on compiling and analyzing admission statistics at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, thereby ensuring a faster and more efficient process.

Project contracting institution: Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 10/2023 ‍– 12/2023

Analysis of the Implementation of the Qualifications System

Background

The qualifications system is part of the Estonian qualifications system – it connects the education system with the labor market and contributes to the development, assessment, recognition, and comparison of work-related competencies. The implementation of the qualifications system has been regulated by the Vocational Qualifications Act since 2001, and the system consists of four parts: the qualifications framework, vocational standards, awarding of vocational qualifications, and the vocational register.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the expectations of the participants in the qualifications system, their readiness for implementing the reform, and the transition to a skills-based approach, as well as to identify the potential challenges and risks associated with the planned innovations.

Methodology

During the study, the qualifications system used in Estonia was compared with the experience of other countries. For assessing the readiness and expectations of stakeholders in the qualification system, interviews and focus groups were conducted with direct and related stakeholders of the qualification system: applicants for certification, certifying bodies, educational institutions, learners, stakeholders involved in developing occupational standards (including employers and professional associations), career advisors, qualification system specialists, and policymakers. During the study, risk assessment was also conducted to ensure the realism and feasibility of the innovations.

Benefits

As a result of the study, input was obtained for the renewal of the legal system underlying the implementation of the qualifications system and for the implementation of a skills-based qualifications system.

Project contracting institution: Ministry of Education and Research
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 03/2023 – 10/2023

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