“Traditional teacher-directed instruction is linked to higher math scores on the international PISA exam, student-oriented instruction with lower math scores”
They analyzed the 2012 PISA exam, which includes questions on how math is taught, as well as demographic information. That made it possible to control for socioeconomic status, family structure, use of the test language at home and immigrant status.
Comparing similar students, math instruction makes a meaningful difference in student learning, they conclude. Lower achievers were helped the most by teacher-directed instruction, but high achievers also did better.
Biggs provides details on what’s most and least effective on Substack.
