释放潜力

Unlocking Potential:Enhancing Education Quality inthe Western Balkans based onInsights from the PIRLS 2021and PISA 2022 studies © 2025International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NWWashington DC 20433Telephone: 202-473-1000Email: AskEd@worldbank.orgInternet:www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations,and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board ofExecutive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the data included in this work anddoes not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the information, or liability withrespect to the use of or failure to use the information, methods, processes, or conclusions set forth. Theboundaries, colors, denominations, links/footnotes and other information shown in this work do not imply anyjudgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement oracceptance of such boundaries. The citation of works authored by others does not mean the World Bankendorses the views expressed by those authors or the content of their works. Nothing herein shall constitute or be construed or considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privilegesand immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of itsknowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as fullattribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications,The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail:pubrights@worldbank.org. Cover design: Marianne Siblini Unlocking Potential: Enhancing Education Quality in the WesternBalkans based on Insights from the PIRLS 2021 and PISA 2022 studies Tigran Shmis, Paul Cahu, Lucia Brajkovic, and James Gresham January 2025 Abstract Western Balkan countries are consistent participants in international learning assessments likethe Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Progress in International ReadingLiteracy (PIRLS). This publication provides an analysis of the recently published data of the PISA2022 and PIRLS 2021 studies. This study identified four key areas where the performance ofWestern Balkan education systems could be improved. They include (a) duration of learning inschools, (b) teaching practices, (c) school preparedness, and (d) use of smartphones in schoolsinduced by COVID-related school closures that serve as a major distractor from learning. Basedon the analysis, the publication provides policy options and recommendations on advancing theeducation systems of Western Balkan countries to improve learning outcomes that are criticallyimportant for the future well-being of students and the economic development of thesecountries. JEL: I21, I24, I25, I28, J24, L86, O1, Q01 Keywords: Education, International Learning Assessment, PISA, PIRLS, Learning Analytics,Western Balkans, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia. Table of Contents I.Acknowledgments...................................................................................................................5II.Executive Summary.................................................................................................................7III. Introduction: Navigating Challenges and Aspiring for Progress in the Western Balkans.......13IV. PISA Student Results at the Lower Secondary Level: Understanding Underperformance.....21A.Low performance in the Western Balkans.......................................................................... 21B.Factors behind the performance gap................................................................................... 241.The role of inequalities in the performance of WeBa countries..................................242.Performance gap in secondary and primary level. ......................................................283.Limited hours of schooling in WeBa. ...........................................................................324.Gender gaps in student performance in Western Balkan countries. ...........................355.School preparedness in the Western Balkans .............................................................366.Socio-emotional factors and relation to student outcomes. .......................................43V.Teachers and Teaching Practices: Enhancing Quality and Efficiency.....................................45VI. The roles of School Closures and the Digital Transition in Plummeting Learning Outcomes inthe Western Balkans .........................