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Teacher Characteristics and Student Performance: Evidence from Random Teacher-Student Assignments in China

Author

Listed:
  • Huang, Wei

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Li, Teng

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Pan, Yinghao

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Ren, Jinyang

    (Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics)

Abstract

This paper investigates the impacts of teacher characteristics on student performance using a nationally representative and randomly assigned teacher-student sample in China. We find that having a more experienced or female homeroom teacher (HRT) with additional classroom management duties significantly improves students' test scores and cognitive and noncognitive abilities. In contrast, these effects are not observed for subject teachers who are responsible only for teaching. More experienced or female HRTs are also associated with a better classroom environment, more self-motivated students, more parental involvement, and higher parental expectations. These mechanisms explain 10-25 percent of HRT effects on test scores and cognitive ability and 50-60 percent of HRT effects on noncognitive ability. Our findings highlight the importance of teacher management skills in education production.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Wei & Li, Teng & Pan, Yinghao & Ren, Jinyang, 2021. "Teacher Characteristics and Student Performance: Evidence from Random Teacher-Student Assignments in China," IZA Discussion Papers 14184, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp14184
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    Cited by:

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    3. Huang, Wei & Luo, Mi & Song, Yueping & Wang, Yiping & Wu, Hantao, 2025. "Poverty spillovers in human capital Formation: Evidence from randomized class assignments in China," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
    4. Chen, Liping & Lin, Jiada & Wang, Zhifeng & Wu, Guansheng, 2025. "The impact of student's ordinal cognitive ability rank on school violence: Evidence from China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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