Evidence Round-up: Tailored Instruction and Edtech Adoption

• In Event: Tailored Instruction at Scale: Harnessing A.I. to Close Learning Gaps

Proposal

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of more than 350 affiliated researchers and 660 invited researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

J-PAL has been at the forefront of generating rigorous evidence on effective education interventions. Our research, spanning decades and conducted in various contexts, has consistently highlighted the efficacy of tailored instruction in improving student learning outcomes.

One of our earliest work in the education sector was with Pratham. We worked closely with them to pilot, design, test, and scale Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL), demonstrating its efficacy across different context. Since then, our network has run several other evaluations on similar programs, creating a body of evidence supporting the positive effects of tailored instruction on student learning. Our researchers are also contributing to a growing evidence base on introducing edtech products and programs in schools. Randomized trials highlight the importance of working with teachers to integrate technology in the curriculum to achieve the best results. The research shows that trying to replace the teacher or introducing technology without teachers’ buy-in leads to limited or even negative impacts.

Beyond generating evidence, the J-PAL network has built long-term relationships with NGOs and governments around the world to increase the use of evidence in decision-making, and adapt and scale programs and policies informed by evidence. Together we work with partners on their program and policy priorities, helping to determine whether and how evidence is relevant to their context, supporting them in piloting programs and policies leveraging this evidence, and building systems for data-enabled program delivery and monitoring.

This presentation will delve into the mechanisms behind effective tailored instruction and edtech integration programs. By understanding how these interventions work, we aim to provide a solid foundation for our co-panelists' discussions of their own evidence-based programs. In our role as panel moderators, we will also explore key questions such as: How can tailored instruction models effectively close learning gaps across different contexts and education systems? What role can AI play in supporting teachers to tailor instruction efficiently, particularly in resource-constrained contexts? What are practical strategies for partnering with governments to implement and scale tailored instruction interventions?

This panel session will offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers seeking to improve educational outcomes for all students and leverage technology to do so.

Authors

• Nicole Catrina Santos-Molas, Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL at MIT)

• Andrea Salas