The Relative Effectiveness of Teachers and Learning Software: Evidence from a Field Experiment in El Salvador

Büchel, Konstantin; Jakob, Martina; Kühnhanss, Christoph; Steffen, Daniel; Brunetti, Aymo (2022). The Relative Effectiveness of Teachers and Learning Software: Evidence from a Field Experiment in El Salvador. Journal of labor economics, 40(3), pp. 737-777. University of Chicago Press 10.1086/717727

[img]
Preview
Text
20210830_Journal_of_Labor_Economics_The_Relative_Effectiveness_of_Teachers_and_Learning_Software_Evidence_from_a_Field_Experiment_in_El_Salvador.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License Publisher holds Copyright.

Download (1MB) | Preview

This study provides novel evidence on the relative effectiveness of computer-assisted learning (CAL) software and traditional teaching. Based on a randomized controlled trial in Salvadoran primary schools, we evaluate three interventions that aim to improve learning outcomes in mathematics: (i) teacher-led classes, (ii) CAL classes monitored by a technical supervisor, and (iii) CAL classes instructed by a teacher. As all three interventions involve the same amount of additional mathematics lessons, we can directly compare the productivity of the three teaching methods. CAL lessons lead to larger improvements in students' mathematics skills than traditional teacher-centered classes. In addition, teachers add little to the effectiveness of learning software. Overall, our results highlight the value of CAL approaches in an environment with poorly qualified teachers.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

03 Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences > Department of Economics
03 Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Institute of Sociology
03 Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences > Department of Economics > Institute of Economics
11 Centers of Competence > Center for Regional Economic Development (CRED)

UniBE Contributor:

Büchel, Konstantin, Jakob, Martina Saskia, Kühnhanss, Christoph, Steffen, Daniel, Brunetti, Aymo

Subjects:

300 Social sciences, sociology & anthropology > 330 Economics
300 Social sciences, sociology & anthropology

ISSN:

0734-306X

Publisher:

University of Chicago Press

Language:

English

Submitter:

Melanie Moser

Date Deposited:

17 Jan 2022 15:20

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 15:57

Publisher DOI:

10.1086/717727

BORIS DOI:

10.48350/162532

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/162532

Actions (login required)

Edit item Edit item
Provide Feedback