Improving the teacher feedback process in primary education: evidence from randomized controlled trials in schools in rural China

Abstract

RCTs in primary schools in rural China show frequent personalized teacher feedback improves exam scores for Grade 3 (age 9), including those ‘left behind’ by migrating parents. Two terms of biweekly feedback increase math and language scores by 0.15 standard deviations, with an RCT texting results to parents giving 0.26 sd extra math improvement for the left-behind. Some math improvements maintain even 30 months later. Direct costs are under $5/student. Yet identical feedback produces nothing for Grade 5. Information feedback interventions thus have excellent potential, but their fall in impact with age suggests efforts must begin early.