Student Learning in South Asia: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Priorities by Halil Dundar; Tara Béteille; Michelle Riboud; Anil Deolalikar

Author:Halil Dundar; Tara Béteille; Michelle Riboud; Anil Deolalikar
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The World Bank

PART 3

Determinants of Learning Outcomes: School-Level Factors

At least to some extent schools can overcome disadvantages arising from socioeconomic background. In South Asia, as in most countries, teacher salaries and other schooling inputs take up the major share of education budgets. Implicitly assuming that better school inputs will translate into better learning outcomes, most South Asian countries have substantially increased their spending on education. Yet, student learning has not improved meaningfully. Part 3 examines how school inputs and processes affect student learning: chapter 5 examines the impact of teacher quality, and chapter 6 looks at other classroom inputs, such as pedagogy and classroom procedures, teaching methods, and technology.

This study provides clear evidence that teacher subject knowledge and teacher management and accountability mechanisms affect learning outcomes in South Asia. But even when teachers are available, South Asian countries face major challenges in presenting curricula due to inadequate teacher training, use of rote learning and too little time allocated to classroom activities. Addressing these challenges for the long term is a priority. Considering the poor learning environment in the region and the economic and social urgency of improving student learning, effective short- and medium-term teaching strategies include remedial and supplemental instruction, activity-based learning, and technology-assisted instruction.

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