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Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) study demonstrates effectiveness of Rassias Method® in the classroom

The Inter-American Development Bank completed a randomized control trial (RCT) evaluation of our IAPE program. The independent evaluation sought to measure the effects of IAPE training on students’ and teachers’ English skills and teachers’ pedagogical practices. The study was conducted with the cooperation of the Mexican States of Puebla and Tlaxcala and involved 144 high school and middle school teachers and their students. RCTs are the most rigorous evaluation available and the authors found only three previous RCTs on the effects of in-service teacher training on student learning.  All three previous studies were conducted in the United States and none found measurable results.  To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind ever conducted in Latin America and the first to show measurable results. 

Here are some highlights of the study:

Instructional Practices

IAPE-trained teachers spent less class time having students work in their notebooks or books while seated at their desks and more time engaged in dynamic activities.  They spoke more English in class, used didactic materials more and textbooks less, and demonstrated more confidence, command of class and stage presence while teaching.

Student Behavior

Students of IAPE teachers spent more class time listening and engaged in conversations in English, displayed more excitement for learning, and devoted more time to studying English outside of class.

Student Learning Outcomes

After an average of 7.5 months of exposure, students of IAPE teachers progressed 10 more weeks in reading, speaking, and listening skills than students of non-IAPE teachers.

Student Expectations and Beliefs

Students of IAPE teachers reported higher expectations of having a job at age 30 and attending university.

The results of this evaluation were made public in August of 2014. Read the full report here.