Evidence-based education: Objections and future directions

Over the past two decades, educational policymakers in many countries have favored evidence-based educational programs and interventions. However, evidence-based education (EBE) has met with growing resistance from educational researchers. This article analyzes the objections against EBE and its pre...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Izaak Dekker, Martijn Meeter
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2022-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2022.941410/full
Description
Summary:Over the past two decades, educational policymakers in many countries have favored evidence-based educational programs and interventions. However, evidence-based education (EBE) has met with growing resistance from educational researchers. This article analyzes the objections against EBE and its preference for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We conclude that the objections call for adjustments but do not justify abandoning EBE. Three future directions could make education more evidence-based whilst taking the objections against EBE into account: (1) study local factors, mechanisms, and implementation fidelity in RCTs, (2) utilize and improve the available longitudinal performance data, and (3) use integrated interventions and outcome measures.
ISSN:2504-284X