Student-oriented teaching practices and educational equality: A population-based study

Abstract

Introduction. Evidence has remained scarce whether teaching practices might be linked to students' educational equality. This study investigated (i) whether student-oriented teaching practices are associated with students' learning outcomes in mathematics, and (ii) whether student-oriented teaching might increase equality in learning outcomes between students with different backgrounds. Method. We used the Finnish PISA 2012 data (N=5052-5660) that provides a nationally representative sample of the Finnish 15-year-old students. The data were analyzed using structural equation models. Results. Frequent student-oriented teaching practices were associated with students' weaker learning outcomes in mathematics. The effect of frequent student-oriented teaching practices was especially negative among students with risky backgrounds (i.e. risky family structure, low family wealth, low maternal education, immigrant status, student's previous truancy be-havior at school). Our additional analyses showed that also frequent inquiry-based teaching practices were related to weaker learning outcomes in science. Discussion and Conclusion. In conclusion, student-oriented teaching practices appear to be linked with students' weaker learning outcomes in comprehensive school. Student-oriented teaching may expand the gaps in learning outcomes between students coming from different backgrounds.