This report is part of a wide-ranging program of quantitative and qualitative analysis, entitled 'The learning curve'. It seeks to further understanding of what leads to successful educational outcomes, both economic and social. The report outlines the main findings from the analysis of a large body of internationally comparable education data, the Learning Curve Data Bank (LCDB). First compiled in 2012, the LCDB has been updated in early 2014 to include, among other indicators, the latest test results from: the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS); the Trends in Internatio... Show more
This report is part of a wide-ranging program of quantitative and qualitative analysis, entitled 'The learning curve'. It seeks to further understanding of what leads to successful educational outcomes, both economic and social. The report outlines the main findings from the analysis of a large body of internationally comparable education data, the Learning Curve Data Bank (LCDB). First compiled in 2012, the LCDB has been updated in early 2014 to include, among other indicators, the latest test results from: the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS); the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS); the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA); and the initial output from the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), which looks at cognitive skill levels across the population. The report also draws on desk research, as well as interviews conducted with experts in education.
Although they may not be able to quantify it, governments in most countries recognise a link between the knowledge and skills with which young people enter the workforce and long-term economic competitiveness. This report is aimed at helping policymakers, educators, academics and other specialists to identify some of these factors. Highlights include: strong relationships are few between education inputs and outputs; there is no substitute for good teachers; income matters but culture may matter more; when it comes to school choice, good information is crucial; there is no single path to better labour market outcomes; and the Global Index of Cognitive Skills and Educational Attainment, an output of 'The learning curve' program and covering 40 countries, can help highlight educational strengths and weaknesses.
Five lessons are drawn for education policymakers: (1) there are no easy solutions; education requires long-term, coherent and focused system-wide attention to achieve improvement; (2) respect teachers; (3) culture can be changed; (4) education systems work better when they keep parents informed and work with them; and (5) education for the future, not just the present.
Edited excerpts from publication.
Show less
