14 November 2018
The idea that pupil wellbeing and effective learning go hand in hand is an important tenet of progressive educational theory. Since ‘deep’, genuine learning is supposed to be invigorating and joyful, education that does not live up to these ideals tends to be seen as ineffective and wasteful. Progressive theory has therefore come to highlight the relationship between pupil-led learning, enjoyment, and performance as a virtuous circle. Yet little rigorous evidence has been presented in favour of this assumption.
Now a report by the Centre for Education Economics presents evidence showing to the contrary. In the paper, Gabriel Heller-Sahlgren, Lead Economist at the Centre for Education Economics, argues that in fact several interventions and strategies – such as homework, school competition, and traditional teaching methods – involve an ‘achievement-happiness trade-off’.
You can read the download the full report on the CfEE website here.