BRIEF

Measuring Approaches for Improving Teacher Performance

October 3, 2016



In developing countries, rising enrollments in schools coupled with poor learning outcomes have put the issue of accountability at the forefront of the debate about education policy. This evaluation looked at efforts to improve teaching through incentives and training for teachers.

 

Research area: Education
Country: Uganda
Evaluation Sample: 280 schools
Timeline: 2013 – 2017 (Completed, endline report pending)
Intervention: Non-financial incentives; Feedback, Mobile phone
Researchers: Shwetlena Sabarwal, World Bank; James Habyarimana, Georgetown University; Felipe Barrera, Harvard University

 

Context

In 2007, Uganda became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to implement a universal secondary education program, and between 2007 and 2013 enrollment increased from 954,000 students to over 1.36 million. The Government of Uganda has been exploring ways to improve teaching in often-overcrowded classrooms. This evaluation measured the impact of an intervention that provided teachers with feedback, practical tips and non-financial rewards as a route for encouraging better teaching.


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Photo: Arne Hoel / World Bank



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