What Is Best Evidence Synthesis and Why It Matters in Higher Education

Best evidence synthesis represents a rigorous approach to gathering and evaluating research findings. It prioritizes studies that meet high standards of quality, design, and relevance rather than simply averaging all available data. In universities worldwide, this method helps administrators and faculty make informed decisions about teaching practices, curriculum design, and resource allocation.

Unlike traditional literature reviews that may include every published paper, best evidence synthesis filters for the strongest evidence. Researchers define clear criteria upfront, such as sample size, methodology, and peer-review status. This process ensures conclusions rest on solid foundations instead of anecdotal or low-quality sources.

Step-by-Step Process of Conducting Best Evidence Synthesis

Experts follow a structured sequence when performing best evidence synthesis. First, they formulate precise research questions that guide the entire project. Next comes an exhaustive search across academic databases, government reports, and university repositories.

After collecting sources, reviewers apply strict inclusion criteria. Only studies with robust experimental or quasi-experimental designs advance to the next stage. Data extraction follows, where key statistics and outcomes are recorded systematically.

The final stages involve quality assessment using established tools and then synthesizing results into clear, actionable summaries. This methodical flow reduces bias and increases reliability for higher education stakeholders.

Key Differences Between Best Evidence Synthesis and Other Review Methods

Best evidence synthesis stands apart from systematic reviews and meta-analyses. While meta-analyses statistically combine effect sizes, best evidence synthesis may choose narrative integration when data heterogeneity prevents pooling. It also places greater emphasis on contextual factors relevant to university environments.

Photo by Clayton Robbins on Unsplash

• Focuses on highest-quality studies only
• Allows both quantitative and qualitative integration
• Emphasizes practical implications for campus decision-makers
• Requires transparent reporting of all decisions made during the process

Real-World Applications in University Settings

Many leading universities now employ best evidence synthesis when revising assessment policies or adopting new learning technologies. For example, institutions in Australia and the United Kingdom have used this approach to evaluate the impact of online learning platforms on student retention rates.

Faculty development programs also benefit. Departments synthesize evidence on effective teaching strategies to design workshops that genuinely improve classroom outcomes rather than relying on trends or intuition.

Benefits for Researchers, Administrators, and Students

Researchers gain clearer roadmaps for future studies because gaps in high-quality evidence become immediately visible. Administrators receive concise reports that support budget justifications and strategic planning. Students ultimately experience improved educational experiences when policies rest on verified best practices.

One major advantage lies in transparency. Every decision about which studies to include or exclude appears in the final report, allowing others to replicate or critique the work.

Challenges and How Universities Overcome Them

Time and expertise requirements can deter some teams from attempting best evidence synthesis. To address this, many higher education institutions now offer dedicated research support offices that provide training and software tools.

Another challenge involves access to full-text articles behind paywalls. University libraries increasingly negotiate open-access agreements and maintain institutional repositories to ensure reviewers have complete materials.

Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash

Future Trends and Emerging Tools

Artificial intelligence tools are beginning to assist with screening large numbers of abstracts during the initial search phase. These technologies speed up the process without compromising quality when used under human supervision.

Global collaborations between universities are also rising. Shared databases of pre-screened high-quality studies allow researchers in different countries to build upon each other's work more efficiently.

Actionable Insights for Getting Started

Faculty interested in best evidence synthesis should begin by attending workshops offered through their university's research office. Starting with a narrowly focused question increases the chances of completing a high-impact project successfully.

Collaboration with colleagues from different disciplines often yields richer results because multiple perspectives help identify subtle quality issues in studies from varied fields.