Last year, the Government of Tanzania initiated an overhaul of its basic education system, captured in the 2023 Policy Reform. This reform has been characterised by a renewed commitment to competence-based learning, and the integration of technology and inclusive approaches. The goal is to improve learning outcomes significantly. With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), EdTech Hub…
When disability is discussed in education, focus often goes to the learner, — but why do we so rarely focus on teachers with disabilities? How can we engage them in research on teacher professional development? Especially in research that focuses on whether adaptations to those teachers’ needs are being made in schools and at other levels of the education system.…
This blog describes initial findings from two research projects in Pakistan: Technology to Empower Actors Across the Learning Ecosystem and Can Digital Technology Accelerate Learning and Skills? The team comprises researchers from Harvard University, University of Chicago, Pomona College, University of California, Berkeley and The World Bank. The team is grateful for funding support from EdTech Hub, The World Bank,…
This blog is written by colleagues from the Busara Centre for Behavioural Economics, as part of a joint research project with EdTech Hub investigating the impact of educational television on learning outcomes in Kenya. Image showing children working together to build a structure. Credit: Busara Centre for Behavioural Economics. In Kenya education is going through a transformation. Implementing the Competency…
The education system in Pakistan has seen remarkable progress, with primary enrolment increasing from 55% to 73% in less than two decades. However, challenges remain, as average student learning needs significant improvement. About 44% of Class 3 students cannot read a simple sentence in English, highlighting the ongoing need for focused efforts to enhance educational outcomes (Annual Status of Education…
How Can Decision-Makers Assess EdTech Interventions for Cost-Effectiveness to Enable Better Investments? Part of the learning brief series quick insights full brief (pdf) full brief (text) A guide for Policymakers Implementers EdTech Investors Why this matters As education decision-makers increasingly look to EdTech tools and interventions to help catalyse impact on education outcomes, cost-effectiveness is among their most important concerns.…
What is ‘Nudging’ in Education and How Does it Contribute to Behaviour Change? Part of the learning brief series quick insights full brief (pdf) full brief (text) A guide for Implementers Decision-makers Researchers Why this matters Nudging is a behaviour change strategy increasingly used in education to address challenges like student attendance, teaching practices, parental and caregiver engagement, and cultural…
How Can EMIS be Designed and Implemented in Ways That Make Them Useful? Part of the learning brief series quick insights full brief (pdf) full brief (text) A guide for Decision-makers EdTech researchers Developmental organisations Non-governmental organisations Government bodies Bureaus of statistics Why this matters Education management information systems (EMIS) integrate fragmented processes and functions into linked data that is…
How Can Participatory Methods Centre Teachers Within Education Policy? Part of the learning brief series quick insights full brief (pdf) full brief (text) A guide for Teachers Policymakers Researchers Why this matters Participatory approaches to evidence-building in education mean that those closest to the context have a voice and are provided with the space to share their wisdom to inform…
Photo Credit: WorldReader Globally, just one-third of 10-year-olds can read and understand basic written stories, with two-thirds below minimum proficiency. Since its inception in 2010, Worldreader has embarked on a mission to encourage children to read, supporting over 22 million readers across more than 100 countries. Using its signature digital platform, BookSmart, Worldreader enhances reading, social-emotional and digital literacy skills…
