Vientiane: The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), with support from Australia through the Basic Education Quality and Access in the Lao PDR (BEQUAL) programme, has commenced the third year of research under the Inclusive Teaching and Learning Study to identify practices that strengthen student belonging, engagement, and learning. Year 3 of the Inclusive Teaching and Learning Study has begun with qualitative case study data collection in 30 target districts.
According to Lao News Agency, this three-year longitudinal study, launched in 2024, spans 30 target districts across seven provinces including Phongsaly, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Houaphanh, Xiangkhouang, Khammouane, and Savannakhet. The research incorporates annual qualitative case studies in 21 schools, alongside Early Grade Language Assessments (EGLA) in 120 schools. The study aims to track changes in classroom practices, school culture, and physical environments, as well as parental and community engagement and student learning outcomes.
The Ministry’s initiative includes innovative methods like using emojis to help students express their feelings, enhancing their comfort and happiness at school. Mr. Phetmany Sylatmena, Deputy Director General of the Department of Teacher Education, emphasized the department’s role in guiding school selection and field research design to ensure comparable longitudinal evidence. He noted that the study is crucial for determining effective teaching strategies that engage all learners, particularly those facing language barriers, irregular attendance, or disabilities.
Mr. Michael Currie, First Secretary at the Australian Embassy, expressed Australia’s pride in partnering with MoES on this study. He highlighted the importance of the third year in consolidating evidence on students’ evolving attitudes and behaviors, and how these shifts influence their sense of belonging and learning outcomes.
Data collection efforts are set to intensify throughout February and March, involving 21 enumerators from MoES and Teacher Training Colleges, supported by 33 staff from Provincial and District Education and Sports authorities. This phase will be followed by EGLA testing in 120 schools, including assessments of both the original cohort of Grade 3 students and a new group of Grade 1 students for comparative analysis.
The findings from this study will play a pivotal role in informing teacher professional development, school-level strategies, and policy improvements aimed at ensuring inclusive, high-quality learning for all children. BEQUAL, a program led by the Lao Government with support from the Australian and United States Governments, is dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes for the nation’s youth, particularly the vulnerable and disadvantaged, while promoting gender equality and inclusive education across all its activities.