A tailored small group instruction intervention in mathematics benefits low achievers

Abstract Running two separate two-stage randomized trials, we implement and test three variants of a small group instruction intervention aimed at improving mathematics competencies for the 20% lowest achievers in mathematics in grades 2 and 8 in Danish public schools. We calculate immediate impacts...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Michael Rosholm, Pia Beck Tonnesen, Klaus Rasmussen, Steffen Overgaard, Julie Vangsøe Færch, Signe Gottschau Malm, Jimmy Harder
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:npj Science of Learning
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-025-00310-9
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Summary:Abstract Running two separate two-stage randomized trials, we implement and test three variants of a small group instruction intervention aimed at improving mathematics competencies for the 20% lowest achievers in mathematics in grades 2 and 8 in Danish public schools. We calculate immediate impacts on math competencies as well as impacts in the medium term and conduct cost-effectiveness analyses of the different intervention arms. The context is the Scandinavian welfare state with an already high-quality public school system. Nevertheless, we find very large positive and cost-effective impacts of several intervention variants, some of which persist in the medium term. In particular, interventions in grade 2 tend to persist, while eighth-grade interventions tend to fade out in the medium term.
ISSN:2056-7936