Work

Learning Job Skills from Colleagues at Work: Evidence from a Field Experiment Using Teacher Performance Data

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: We study a program designed to encourage learning from coworkers among school teachers. In an experiment, we document gains in job performance when high- and low-skilled teachers are paired and asked to work together on improving their skills. Pairs are matched on specific skills measured in prior evaluations. Each pair includes a target teacher who scores low in one or more of 19 skills and a partner who scores high in (many of) the target’s deficient skills. Student achievement improved 0.12 standard deviations in low-skilled teachers’ classrooms. Improvements are likely the result of target teachers learning skills from their partner. (JEL I21, J24, J45, M53)

Source: American Economic Journal Economic Policy

DOI: 10.1257/pol.20170709

Authors: John P. Papay, Eric S. Taylor, John H. Tyler, Mary E. Laski

Institutions: Brown University, Harvard University, National Bureau of Economic Research

Language: English

Topic: School Choice and Performance

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funders: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Tennessee Department of Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education