How to evaluate and improve the quality of supplementary education for children

Contents:

• How children's supplementary education balances growth and quality
• How to determine a sufficient level of quality
• How learning is personalized in EdTech
• How research helps in designing educational experiences
• What research tools are useful in education
• How to avoid errors in interpreting the obtained data
• How to combine science, technology, and empathy to improve the educational process

How Children's Supplemental Education Balances Growth and Quality

In the EdTech space for adults, discussions continue about whether the market has reached sufficient volume for companies to begin paying serious attention to the quality of educational products. At the same time, the situation in the online supplemental education segment for schoolchildren requires special consideration. The online learning market for children is actively growing, and many companies are beginning to recognize the importance of providing high-quality content. This not only improves educational outcomes but also increases competitiveness in the market. Investing in the quality of educational programs is becoming essential for attracting and retaining clients.

Mikhail Myagkov, founder and CEO of Maximum Education, emphasized that educational quality has been the cornerstone of the company since its inception. In the area of ​​supplementary school education, including preparation for the Basic State Exam (OGE) and the Unified State Exam (USE), quality standards remain high. Maximum Education is actively working to meet these standards, providing its students with reliable and effective educational services.

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The Unified State Exam Generation: Has the Introduction of the Unified State Exam Really Negatively Impacted the Quality of Education in Schools? The question of how the Unified State Exam reform has affected students' knowledge is highly controversial. On the one hand, critics argue that the emphasis on formalized assessment has led to a decline in interest in learning and in-depth study of subjects. On the other hand, supporters of the reform note that the Unified State Exam has contributed to a more objective assessment of knowledge and prepared students for the demands of higher education. It is important to analyze how changes in the education system affect the quality of knowledge and the training of future specialists in various fields.

The speaker noted that an emphasis on quality can significantly limit the company's business growth, as it requires significant investment. Mikhail mentioned that in 2021, the company's revenue increased by approximately 60%, but there are competitors in the market that outperform Maximum Education in this metric. Nevertheless, he is quite satisfied with the company's current growth rate.

We are successfully demonstrating stable growth while maintaining the high quality of our product. Although we are not the fastest on the market, this does not cause us any discomfort. We are confident that we have created a solid foundation on which to build further development. Our goal is to scale the number of students to 50,000, and then to 100-150,000, which will allow us to expand our reach and provide high-quality education to an even larger number of users.

According to Mikhail, the main challenge for the company today is maintaining a high level of quality while scaling.

Yaklass CEO Ekaterina Ryzhova emphasized that the platform currently has the largest database in the field of supplementary school education – 1.8 trillion assignments. The company also has a significant number of users compared to other educational websites. Despite this, YaKlass does not seek aggressive growth, focusing on strategies that improve product quality and attract new audiences. Ekaterina noted that, according to Rosstat, 39% of families in Russia do not have a personal computer, and 29% do not have access to the internet at home. In response to these challenges, YaKlass developed a mobile app that allows children with access only to smartphones or tablets to receive a high-quality education through the platform.

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Research has shown how distance learning has affected the quality of school education in various regions. Experts analyzed the impact of the remote format on the educational process, identifying both positive and negative aspects. During the pandemic, many schools were forced to switch to an online format, which led to changes in teaching methods and the perception of educational material. As a result, differences were discovered in access to educational resources, student digital literacy, and teacher training. These factors have had a significant impact on student achievement and motivation. A detailed analysis of the situation allows us to better understand what measures need to be taken to improve the quality of education in the future.

How to Determine a Sufficient Level of Quality

The improvement of an educational product can indeed continue indefinitely. However, it is important to determine the optimal level of quality to avoid endless changes that could distract from the main goal. The company should focus on key indicators such as user satisfaction, student engagement, learning outcomes, and teacher feedback. These metrics will help strike a balance between quality and continuous development, maintaining focus on the needs of the target audience and ensuring the product's competitiveness in the market.

Mikhail Myagkov emphasizes the importance of developing internal quality KPIs that depend on the company's goals. At Maximum Education, the main focus is on engagement, because, as Mikhail notes, "a person who purchased an educational program and viewed only 2% of the material will not be able to achieve results." Therefore, the company focuses on engagement, or retention, striving to maximize this key metric. Currently, according to Mikhail, the engagement rate is 95.6%. Maintaining student engagement requires effectively motivating them. Students may set goals such as achieving high scores on the Unified State Exam and entering a prestigious university. However, as Mikhail notes, "everyone wants results, but no one enjoys learning." While there is a small percentage of people who find learning a source of joy, educational product creators should focus on motivating the rest of the students. This is entirely achievable if a company actively engages and motivates students. Developing effective strategies to increase interest in the learning process will be a key factor in creating successful educational solutions.

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Changing teacher roles can significantly increase student motivation. When teachers take on various roles, such as mentor, facilitator, or even peer, it creates a more dynamic learning environment. Students begin to feel more engaged in the learning process, seeing the teacher not only as an authority figure but also as a knowledge partner.

This role shift promotes the development of critical thinking and creativity in students. They become more active participants in lessons, which positively impacts their interest in the learning process. As a result, students begin to better master the material and show greater initiative in their learning activities.

Furthermore, changing the approach to interacting with students helps create an atmosphere of trust and openness. This, in turn, promotes a deeper understanding of the material and improves overall academic performance. Thus, changing the teacher's roles is an effective tool for increasing student motivation and improving the quality of education.

Ekaterina Ryzhova discussed how improving the functionality of the YaKlass platform contributed to increased student engagement. The platform introduced drag-and-drop assignments, allowing students to drag and drop answers instead of typing. This solution addressed a problem faced by elementary school students: even knowing the correct answer, they often make typos or spelling errors. As a result, the program may mark such an answer as incorrect, leading to frustration and loss of interest in learning. With the new feature, students can simply select the correct answers and move them to the appropriate places on the page, which significantly facilitates the learning process and increases their motivation.

Ekaterina believes that the solution has proven to be very successful.

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In the first semester, we successfully developed assignments for first and second grades in Russian language and social studies. Despite the fact that many schools study Russian in the second semester in first grade, after publishing these assignments, we observed enormous interest, comparable to the demand for other elementary school assignments. This is undoubtedly a success and serves as additional motivation for students.

Mikhail Myagkov noted that in addition to engagement, Maximum Education also focuses on three key aspects. These aspects are important for creating an effective educational environment and improving the quality of learning. They include adapting educational programs to student needs, using modern technologies in teaching, and developing students' critical thinking skills. This comprehensive approach allows Maximum Education to achieve high results and ensure the success of its students.

• feedback from students, which it receives through surveys;
• user behavior - a model developed by Data Science specialists is used to analyze it, which predicts the likelihood of a decrease in student motivation based on a variety of parameters;
• content quality - previously, according to Mikhail, all video lessons were viewed and evaluated by a platform employee, but now this is also done by a special program.

How is learning personalized in EdTech?

According to Irina Shashkina, Director of Online Programs at the Skolkovo School of Management, there is a widespread belief that without personalization, it is impossible to talk about a product's quality. Otherwise, the product does not take into account the individual needs of the student and only reflects the developers' ideas about what the user's request should be. Personalization is a key element that allows educational solutions to be tailored to specific needs and expectations, which, in turn, improves learning effectiveness and student satisfaction. Ekaterina Ryzhova noted that the YaKlass platform is aimed at creating an individualized approach to education. She emphasized that with this tool, teachers can tailor curricula to the knowledge level and educational needs of each student. This allows for more effective consideration of each student's unique characteristics, which in turn contributes to improving the quality of education. I am convinced that this approach will become the norm in the future, as it will significantly increase children's motivation. They will delve deeper into the subjects and areas that truly interest them and in which they want to develop. This, in turn, will lead to improved educational quality and student engagement. As a result, education will become more effective and meet the needs of each child.

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Individual educational trajectories in mainstream schools: necessity and advantages

The issue of introducing individual educational trajectories in mainstream schools is becoming increasingly more relevant. Given the diversity of students, their interests, and levels of preparation, individualization of education allows for the more effective development of each child's potential.

Individualized educational trajectories provide the opportunity to tailor the educational process to the specific needs and abilities of students. This not only promotes increased motivation and engagement in learning but also improves results, allowing each student to progress at their own pace.

Furthermore, the implementation of such trajectories promotes the development of self-regulation and responsibility skills in students. They learn to manage their time and set goals, which is an important aspect of their overall development.

In today's rapidly changing society, individualization of the educational process is becoming not just desirable, but essential. This helps prepare students for future challenges and the demands of the labor market, ensuring their competitiveness.

Thus, the introduction of individual educational trajectories in general education is an important step towards improving the quality of education and realizing the potential of each student.

How research helps in designing educational experiences

At the session "Synergy of Research and Design," experts discussed an important aspect of the quality of educational products and the personalization of learning: what data needs to be collected to create a truly useful experience for students. As already mentioned, valuable information can be obtained through feedback. However, the question arises: how to effectively analyze this data if hundreds of thousands or even millions of students are registered on the platform? Optimizing the data analysis process and using modern information processing methods are becoming key factors in developing successful educational solutions.

Andrey Romashov, Academic Director of Algorithmics, emphasizes that analyzing feedback in children's education is a complex task. Children, unlike adults, often have difficulty formulating their impressions of a course or educational product. For this reason, educational developers must rely on statistical data and quantitative metrics to better understand the needs and expectations of young learners. This allows them to create more effective and tailored courses that match children's interests and level of understanding.

To assess the effectiveness of children's learning, Algorithmika analyzes the percentage of tasks solved, the time it takes the student to answer, and the quality of the answers provided. If a child answers haphazardly, simply trying to complete the task and move on to the next one, this indicates low motivation for learning. Andrey believes that information about these and other metrics is a valuable tool for curriculum developers, allowing them to improve content and adapt teaching methods to increase student interest and engagement.

It is important to pay attention not only to checkpoints and final tests, but to the entire educational process as a whole. All actions that occur during the learning process should be analyzed. This will allow you to identify those aspects of your courses that are functioning effectively, as well as those that require improvement to achieve the stated goals. This approach improves the quality of learning and increases participant satisfaction.

Laura McBain, instructional designer and co-director of the K12 Lab at Stanford's Design Thinking School, argues that children are highly aware of their educational experiences and can provide valuable feedback. She believes that understanding students' perceptions of the learning process doesn't require statistical research. Listening attentively to students and observing their engagement in the learning process is sufficient. This allows us to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and improve educational methods.

Reading is an important part of our life, as it not only develops thinking, but also enriches our inner world. Good books can teach us new things, broaden our horizons, and immerse us in captivating stories. Reading improves concentration, memory, and analytical skills. It's also a great way to relax and unwind from everyday worries. Scientific research confirms that regular reading reduces stress and improves overall psychological well-being. Therefore, it's important to make time for reading, choosing both classic works and modern bestsellers. It's not only beneficial but also enjoyable.

Creating student-centered curriculum is a key aspect of modern education. Here are eight effective ways to help you tailor your learning experience to student needs.

The first way is to consider student interests and needs. Understanding what interests your students allows you to create more engaging and motivating materials. The second way is to use a variety of learning formats. Including videos, interactive assignments, and group discussions helps keep students engaged and promotes better information absorption.

The third way is to implement feedback. Regular surveys and discussions help you understand what works and what needs improvement. The fourth way is to create individualized learning plans that take into account the knowledge level and abilities of each student.

The fifth way is to use technology. Integrating educational platforms and apps can significantly improve the learning process. The sixth way is to involve students in the decision-making process. This could be choosing project topics or assessment formats.

The seventh way is developing critical thinking. It is important to create tasks that encourage students to analyze and evaluate information. The eighth way is building community. Creating a supportive and welcoming classroom atmosphere promotes deeper interactions between students and teachers.

Using these eight strategies will help you create curriculum that is truly student-centered and promotes successful learning.

A human-centered approach to instructional design emphasizes the individual learning characteristics of each student and how to effectively help them achieve their educational goals. Children's level of engagement in the learning process can be determined quite quickly: they smile and act active when discussing topics that interest them, and they also pay attention when listening to a captivating lecture. Educators in the K12 system carefully observe these cues, trying to understand what exactly piques students' interest and how this can be used to improve the quality of education.

In lessons with first-graders, we begin by discussing their interests. We ask: "What questions are you wondering about?" For example, children might ask: "Why do snakes crawl?" These types of questions foster inquiry in children, encourage them to be genuinely curious, and actively participate in the learning process. This not only makes lessons more engaging but also develops critical thinking skills and independent search for answers in first-graders.

While this approach is not suitable for asynchronous online learning, it can be very effective for webinars and other collaborative learning activities. Using interactive methods promotes deeper engagement and improves learning. Effective webinars can combine presentations, discussions, and hands-on activities, making the learning process more dynamic and engaging.

What research tools are useful in education?

Andrey Romashov identified three key tools that are essential for the effective design of educational programs. These research methods help developers better understand learners' needs and create high-quality learning materials. Correct application of these tools can significantly improve the effectiveness of the educational process and enhance learning outcomes.

• A/B testing. This method is relatively easy to implement and allows you to test specific hypotheses—for example, how a particular change affects the educational process parameter being studied. To do this, different users are offered two (or more) versions of the same course—with and without the change—and then the results are analyzed.
• A randomized experiment with statistically valid samples and controlled external factors. This means that a researcher recruits, for example, two groups of children with similar characteristics (in terms of age, family income, and so on) and studies how each group interacts with different educational programs whose effectiveness needs to be compared.
• Qualitative research - conducting in-depth interviews, observing the behavior of individual users in order to improve the student experience at specific stages of the course.

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Innovation in education is key to improving the quality of learning and adapting to modern requirements. It is important to introduce new methods and technologies that contribute to the improvement of the educational process. One approach to innovation is the use of digital resources and online platforms that provide access to a variety of educational materials and tools.

Attention should also be paid to active learning methods, such as project-based learning and collaborative approaches, which help develop critical thinking and teamwork skills in students. The introduction of adaptive learning allows you to tailor the educational process to the individual needs of each student, which increases their engagement and effectiveness.

Furthermore, an important aspect is the preparation of teachers for changes in the educational environment. Professional development and training of teachers in new technologies and teaching methods contribute to the creation of an innovative atmosphere in educational institutions.

Therefore, creating innovation in education requires a comprehensive approach, including modern technologies, active learning methods, and continuous teacher development. This will not only improve the quality of education but also prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.

Laura McBain shared an interesting method for studying student experiences implemented by Stanford educators. Several years ago, they launched a challenge called "Student Shadow." The essence of this project is that each teacher spends one day at school, following a student like a shadow. This means that the teacher boards the bus with the child, arrives at school, attends all classes, eats lunch in the cafeteria, and fully immerses themselves in the student's school life. This approach allows teachers to better understand the daily realities and challenges their students face, which in turn facilitates more effective learning and interaction in the classroom.

You observe a student throughout the day to not only assess their academic performance but also to identify their emotional difficulties. It's important to understand the child's daily challenges, whether they experience moments of unhappiness or dissatisfaction, and whether they experience a lack of communication. We are increasingly recognizing that if a student doesn't receive the necessary recognition in the classroom, their motivation to learn is significantly reduced. No one will contribute to the learning process while experiencing such feelings.

Laura shared a story about how one of her colleagues spent an entire day at school as part of a challenge with a girl from a Muslim family who wore a hijab. During that day, the student was spoken to only three times. The speaker emphasized the importance of promptly identifying situations where a child is overlooked and undervalued in a group setting and the need to take steps to change these circumstances. During the lockdown, Stanford educators conducted an online campaign called "Student Shadow" and discovered that some children learning remotely could fast for up to six hours straight and barely interact with friends. These findings highlight the critical importance of social inclusion and support for children in the educational environment.

This method promotes a deeper understanding by educators of their students, as well as the factors that influence their lives and educational process. According to the expert, it is this understanding that underlies the human-centered approach to learning, which focuses on the individual needs and interests of students.

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A human-centered school is an educational institution that focuses on children's education, not just the process of their learning. Such a school creates conditions that promote the development of the individual abilities and interests of each student. It is important that the educational process is built on interaction and mutual understanding between teachers and students, which helps children not only acquire knowledge but also develop critical thinking, creativity, and social skills.

How to avoid errors in interpreting the obtained data

After conducting research and collecting information, it is important to pay attention to several key aspects that will help gain valuable insights for improving the educational process. First, it is necessary to analyze the data to identify key trends and patterns that can influence teaching methods. Secondly, it is worth considering the opinions and feedback of students and teachers, since their perceptions can significantly change the approach to educational strategies. Third, it's useful to compare results with similar institutions or programs to identify best practices. Finally, it's important to monitor changes in educational technologies and adapt them to specific needs to ensure more effective learning and student engagement. These steps will help maximize the collected information and improve the quality of the educational process.

Andrey Romashov emphasized that even numerical data can lead to conflicting conclusions if key parameters are ignored during analysis. He gave the example of a researcher conducting a trial on two groups—a test group and a control group—to test the hypothesis that the effectiveness of an educational program increases after its improvements. However, if the control group consists of stronger students than the test group, the results may show that the course changes negatively impact academic performance. The specialist noted that results are influenced not only by student abilities, but also by teacher competencies, the level of preparation at the school, and the financial situation of families.

It is important to carefully control the experimental conditions to understand exactly what kind of experiment you are conducting. It's important to consider who your students are and whether they are learning under equal conditions. It's also important to ensure that no changes have occurred that could influence the results. This will ensure the reliability and validity of the data obtained. The right approach to the experiment will help you identify true patterns and make informed conclusions.

Reading is an important aspect of personal development and broadening horizons. It helps improve critical thinking skills, increase vocabulary, and deepen knowledge in various fields. Regularly reading books, articles, and other materials not only helps you retain information but also develops your imagination.

Research shows that reading improves concentration and memory. This is especially true in today's world, where information is available in large quantities and changes rapidly. A good daily reading habit not only helps you better absorb information but also enjoys the learning process.

Furthermore, reading can be a source of inspiration and motivation. It allows you to see the world from different perspectives and understand different points of view. Thus, reading not only enriches your personal experience but also helps you become more open to new ideas and possibilities.

Develop your reading skills and discover new horizons. Remember that every word you read brings you closer to new knowledge and understanding of the world around you.

Psychological factors play a key role in the effectiveness of online learning. Unlike traditional formats, online education requires a high degree of independence and self-discipline from students. Motivation, as a key psychological factor, significantly influences learning success. Students who are intrinsically motivated tend to be more engaged and achieve better results.

It is also important to consider students' stress and anxiety levels. High stress levels can negatively impact their ability to absorb new information and solve problems. Creating a comfortable and supportive online learning environment can help reduce anxiety and improve academic performance.

Social factors, such as interaction with instructors and peers, also influence the effectiveness of online learning. The opportunity to communicate and share experiences fosters a sense of belonging and maintains motivation.

Finally, personal attitudes and self-confidence play an important role. Students who believe in their abilities are more likely to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Thus, understanding and taking psychological factors into account can significantly improve online learning outcomes and help students realize their potential.

How to Combine Science, Technology, and Empathy to Improve the Educational Process

At the end of the discussion, Laura McBain emphasized the importance of a deep understanding of learners for instructional designers. She noted that professionals in this field must not only understand learners' needs but also apply scientific approaches to teaching, using a variety of pedagogical tools. Laura emphasized that it is impossible to rely on a single method, even if it has a high reputation in pedagogy. In practice, the effectiveness of approaches always varies and depends on the educational needs of students, the specifics of the subject, the content of the lesson, and other factors. Therefore, it is crucial for methodologists and instructional designers to develop strategies that will facilitate the best possible transfer of knowledge in each specific case, adapting approaches to the unique learning environment.

Each process is unique and always depends on the specific situation, as people have their own individual characteristics. For example, if you have developed observation skills, you will be able to quickly perceive changes in the context and respond to them accordingly. This will allow you to effectively achieve educational goals.

Laura emphasizes that fluency in a variety of pedagogical tools significantly increases the effectiveness of the educational process and contributes to the personal development of a specialist. "We combine pedagogy, people, and technology. It's really exciting," she notes. A variety of methods and technologies in teaching not only improves the assimilation of material but also makes the process more interactive and interesting for all participants.

Reading is an important aspect of personal and professional development. It not only enriches knowledge but also develops critical thinking. It is important to choose high-quality information sources to obtain relevant and accurate data. The diversity of genres and topics allows everyone to find something interesting and useful. Read books, articles, and research to broaden your horizons and improve your literacy skills. Regular reading improves memory and concentration, and also helps you form your own opinions on various topics. Don't forget to share what you read with others; it can become the basis for interesting discussions and the exchange of opinions.

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