Enhancing Life Outcomes: The Interplay of Holistic Skills, Preschool Education, and Technology of Instruction

The proposed research aims to identify and enhance methods for developing human capital and improving long-term outcomes for children in pre-primary and primary education. The research seeks to optimize learning outcomes by informing policy and practice within the education sector. This proposal consists of three distinct papers: Exploring the Translation of Pedagogical Innovation into Learning Outcomes: This study challenges the traditional "chalk and talk" approach by evaluating the impact of two frequent testing interventions in Kenya and Nigeria. It aims to determine whether this pedagogical innovation more effectively translates educational inputs into measurable learning outcomes compared to traditional instruction methods. Teaching the Skills for Lifelong Success: This research investigates the effects of low- and high-intensity teacher training interventions in The Gambia designed to promote active learning methods (ALM). These interventions are coupled with a modified curriculum incorporating life skills and financial education. The study seeks to understand the impact of teacher training on teaching practices and students' life skills and financial competencies. Investigating the Impact of Preschool Access on Marginalized Children: This paper examines the self-views of marginalized Roma children compared to those of majority children in Bulgarian communities. It also explores the potential differences in communities where free kindergarten access was available ten years prior to the national policy change in 2020, assessing how early access may have influenced teachers' attitudes toward marginalized children and parents' perceptions of kindergarten.