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Projects

RAY research activities draw on an interdisciplinary approach, rooted in particular in educational science, political science, and sociology. Informed by recent and relevant discourses in these disciplines, RAY research activities apply diverse social and educational research methods – usually in a mixed-method combination of quantitative and qualitative research instruments. Among our core methods are multilingual online surveys of project participants, project leaders, and key staff of beneficiary organisations; case studies of projects, organisations, and networks; and interviews and focus groups with different actors and stakeholders involved in the European youth programmes.

Activities Title

The RAY Network is keen on facilitating and joining informed discourses between research, policy and practice, and is committed to disseminate its research findings and outcomes in an adequate and effective way to interested audiences.

Our research projects

  • We currently run eight research projects, which we refer to by their abbreviations: RAY COR, RAY COMP, RAY DIGI, RAY INNO, RAY LEARN, RAY MON, RAY SOC & RAY STRAT.
  • Our finished projects are RAY PART, RAY CAP & RAY LTE.

All research projects are being introduced below.

RAY COMP

Approaches to competence development and capacity building in the European youth programmes

The aim of this research project is to explore educational approaches to competence development and capacity building in the context of the European youth programmes and their suitability to strengthen the diversity, quality and impact of youth work across Europe for the development of the necessary learning and training opportunities. This project involves 8 RAY network members (started in 2021).

RAY DIGI

Dimensions of digitalisation in the European youth programmes and development of recommendations

This research project aims to explore dimensions of digitalisation, document the progress of
digitalisation in the European youth programmes, and develop recommendations to strengthen
and support digital dimensions in youth work. This project involves 15 RAY network members (started in 2021).

RAY STRAT

Strategic contributions of the European youth programmes

This research project aims to explore how the European youth programmes contribute to programme- and sector-specific strategies that frame and guide the European youth programmes, both through activities/projects of programme beneficiaries and through strategic cooperation projects of National Agencies.The project involves all RAY network members (started in 2021).

RAY COR

Impact of the corona pandemic on youth work in Europe

The aim of this research project is to document and analyse the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on youth work in Europe, including the European youth programmes, and the response of youth work across Europe to the pandemic and its effects. This project currently involves 20 RAY network members (started in 2020).

RAY INNO

Impact of strategic partnerships and cooperation in Erasmus+ Youth in Action

A research project on the impact, role and potential of the strategic partnerships and cooperation in Erasmus+ Youth in Action (under Key Action 2) as instruments to foster innovation and exchange of good practices in the youth sector and related fields. The project partners are 16 RAY network members (started in 2019).

RAY LEARN

Strategies and practices for organisational development and learning in the European youth sector

A research project on strategies and practices for organisational development and learning of organisations and networks in the European youth sector. Currently, 13 National Agencies of the Erasmus+ Youth in Action Programme and their research partners are involved (started in 2019).

RAY MON

Research-based analysis and monitoring of Erasmus+ Youth in Action

Research-based analysis and monitoring of Erasmus+ Youth in Action aims at contributing to monitoring and developing Erasmus+ Youth in Action and the quality of projects supported by it. This activity is a joint activity of all RAY network partners (ongoing).

RAY PART

Approaches to participation and citizenship education and learning in the European youth programmes

A research project on approaches to participation and citizenship education and learning in the European youth programmes, in particular in respect to a European dimension; furthermore it also explores how the competences necessary to implement these approaches can be developed. This project involves 9 RAY network members (started in 2019).

RAY SOC

Research-based analysis and monitoring of the European Solidarity Corps

Research-based analysis and monitoring of the European Solidarity Corps aims to explore a broad scope of aspects of the European Solidarity Corps and to share the research findings with different actors and stakeholders; furthermore, it seeks to contribute to the development of the projects supported by it as well as of the programme itself. All RAY partners of countries involved in the European Solidarity Corps are part of this project, currently 27 (started with a pre-study in 2019).

RAY CAP

Competence development and capacity building of Erasmus+ Youth in Action

A research project on competence development and capacity building of youth workers and youth leaders involved in training/support activities in Erasmus+ Youth in Action; it also explored the effects of Erasmus+ Youth in Action on the organisations involved. This projects involved 17 National Agencies of the Erasmus+ Youth in Action Programme and their researchers (finalised in 2019).

RAY LTE

Long-term effects of Erasmus+ Youth in Action on participation and citizenship

A research project on the long-term effects of Erasmus+ Youth in Action on participation and citizenship of the actors involved, in particular on the development of participation and citizenship competences and practices. 12 network members were involved in this project (finalised in 2019).

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