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Effective teaching in elementary mathematics: Identifying classroom practices that support student achievement

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  • Blazar, David

Abstract

Recent investigations into the education production function have moved beyond traditional teacher inputs, such as education, certification, and salary, focusing instead on observational measures of teaching practice. However, challenges to identification mean that this work has yet to coalesce around specific instructional dimensions that increase student achievement. I build on this discussion by exploiting within-school, between-grade, and cross-cohort variation in scores from two observation instruments; further, I condition on a uniquely rich set of teacher characteristics, practices, and skills. Findings indicate that inquiry-oriented instruction positively predicts student achievement. Content errors and imprecisions are negatively related, though these estimates are sensitive to the set of covariates included in the model. Two other dimensions of instruction, classroom emotional support and classroom organization, are not related to this outcome. Findings can inform recruitment and development efforts aimed at improving the quality of the teacher workforce.

Suggested Citation

  • Blazar, David, 2015. "Effective teaching in elementary mathematics: Identifying classroom practices that support student achievement," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 16-29.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:48:y:2015:i:c:p:16-29
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2015.05.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. David Blazar & Matthew A. Kraft, 2015. "Teacher and Teaching Effects on Students' Academic Behaviors and Mindsets," Mathematica Policy Research Reports c1c4216bd08f408fb6bdf16a3, Mathematica Policy Research.
    6. Thomas J. Kane & David Blazar & Hunter Gehlbach & Miriam Greenberg & David M. Quinn & Daniel Thal, 2020. "Can Video Technology Improve Teacher Evaluations? An Experimental Study," Education Finance and Policy, MIT Press, vol. 15(3), pages 397-427, Summer.
    7. Simon Briole, 2019. "From Teacher Quality to Teaching Quality: Instructional Productivity and Teaching Practices in the US," Working Papers halshs-01993616, HAL.
    8. Fenoll, Ainoa Aparicio & Moscarola, Flavia Coda & Zaccagni, Sarah, 2021. "Mathematics camps: A gift for gifted students?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 738-751.
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    10. Irina Kliziene & Grazina Taujanskiene & Aldona Augustiniene & Berita Simonaitiene & Gintautas Cibulskas, 2021. "The Impact of the Virtual Learning Platform EDUKA on the Academic Performance of Primary School Children," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-14, February.

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