I asked ChatGPT to develop the outline of a course on evidence-informed policy. Designing and delivering courses is something we at OTT are asked to do quite often. Often the first step is to think of an outline that covers the most relevant elements of the issue. Could ChatGPT pick the right mix of modules?
First, I asked: Develop a course outline for a workshop or short course on evidence informed policymaking.
Then, I added: Include a module on politics and power and another one on personal policy entrepreneurship skills in the list above.
Then, I asked: Please provide real world case studies to apply the lessons learned in the course during the group exercises.
And finally: Develop case study 2 above into a Harvard style teaching case study.
The final answer is copied and pasted below. I haven’t changed it.
Couse outline
- Introduction to evidence-informed policymaking: This module will provide an overview of the concept of evidence-informed policymaking and its importance in the policy process. Participants will learn about the benefits of using evidence to inform policy decisions and the role of research in the policymaking process.
- Identifying policy questions and research needs: In this module, participants will learn how to identify key policy questions and research needs in their areas of work. They will learn about the importance of framing policy questions clearly and identifying relevant research evidence to inform decision making.
- Finding and evaluating research evidence: This module will introduce participants to strategies for finding and evaluating research evidence, including how to locate and access relevant research studies and how to assess the quality and relevance of the evidence.
- Using research evidence in policymaking: In this module, participants will learn about different approaches to using research evidence in policymaking, including how to present research findings to decision makers and how to integrate evidence into policy recommendations.
- Politics and power in policymaking: This module will introduce participants to the role of politics and power in the policymaking process. Participants will learn about the different actors and interests that shape policy decisions and will explore strategies for navigating the political landscape to advance evidence-informed policies.
- Personal policy entrepreneurship skills: In this module, participants will learn about the personal skills and attributes that are important for policy entrepreneurs, including leadership, communication, and networking. They will also have the opportunity to develop and practice these skills through group activities and exercises.
- Ethics and challenges in evidence-informed policymaking: This module will address ethical considerations and challenges that can arise in the process of using research evidence in policymaking. Participants will learn about the importance of transparency and accountability in the policy process and will discuss ways to address potential biases or conflicts of interest.
- Case studies and group exercises: Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to engage in case studies and group exercises to practice applying the concepts and skills learned in the previous modules. These exercises will provide an opportunity for participants to work through real-world policy challenges and to apply the principles of evidence-informed policymaking in a practical setting.
This is a very good outline. I would only make a few changes to it. For instance, I would suggest moving politics and power in policymaking to module 1 or 2. Ethics, too, could be an earlier module. Both are value judgements based on my own personal experience (delivering these courses for close to 20 years) and preference (I do not want my audience to think that evidence informed policymaking is a linear process as ChatGPT’s 2, 3 and 4 modules suggest).
I was particularly pleased that ChatGPT included ethics in its first draft of the course outline.
Case studies
Here are a few ideas for case studies that could be used in the group exercises:
- Improving access to education: Participants could be presented with a scenario in which a community is struggling with low enrollment and high dropout rates in primary schools. They would be asked to identify policy questions related to the issue and to find and evaluate research evidence on potential solutions. They could then use this evidence to develop recommendations for policy interventions to improve access to education.
- Reducing air pollution: Participants could be presented with a scenario in which a city is facing high levels of air pollution and is seeking ways to reduce emissions. They would be asked to identify policy questions related to the issue and to find and evaluate research evidence on potential solutions. They could then use this evidence to develop recommendations for policy interventions to reduce air pollution.
- Promoting sustainable agriculture: Participants could be presented with a scenario in which a region is seeking to increase the adoption of sustainable farming practices. They would be asked to identify policy questions related to the issue and to find and evaluate research evidence on potential solutions. They could then use this evidence to develop recommendations for policy interventions to promote sustainable agriculture.
- Improving access to healthcare: Participants could be presented with a scenario in which a community is struggling to access quality healthcare services. They would be asked to identify policy questions related to the issue and to find and evaluate research evidence on potential solutions. They could then use this evidence to develop recommendations for policy interventions to improve access to healthcare.
Case study: air pollution
Case Study: Reducing Air Pollution in a Major City
Introduction:
Air pollution is a major environmental and health problem in many cities around the world. It has been linked to a range of negative health outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and can also have negative impacts on the environment and the economy. In this case study, participants will be asked to consider how evidence-informed policymaking can be used to address the problem of air pollution in a major city.
Case Description:
The city of Metropolis is a major hub for industry and transportation, and has experienced high levels of air pollution for many years. The local government has recently committed to taking action to reduce air pollution, and has asked a team of policy advisors to develop recommendations for policy interventions to address the problem.
Task:
As a policy advisor working on the air pollution issue in Metropolis, your task is to identify key policy questions related to the problem and to find and evaluate research evidence on potential solutions. Using this evidence, you should develop recommendations for policy interventions to reduce air pollution in the city.
Questions to consider:
- What are the key policy questions related to air pollution in Metropolis?
- What types of research evidence might be relevant to inform policy decisions on this issue?
- How can you find and access this research evidence?
- How can you assess the quality and relevance of the research evidence?
- What policy interventions might be effective in reducing air pollution in Metropolis?
- How can you present the research evidence and policy recommendations to decision makers in a clear and persuasive manner?
References:
- World Health Organization. (2018). Air pollution and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/air-pollution/en/
- United Nations Environment Programme. (2019). Air pollution: A major environmental health problem. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/air-pollution/
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Air pollution: What is air pollution? Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/air-pollution-introduction/what-air-pollution