The 2025 Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) Conference will centre around the theme “Envisioning Education in a Digital Society,” highlighting how rapid technological advancements are reshaping education worldwide. As digital tools continue to transform classrooms, the challenge remains: how do we ensure that foundational skills–like reading and mathematics–stay at the core of learning experiences?
At Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa, we believe that no child should be left behind, regardless of their learning environment. Our work is built on the principle of meeting children where they are, ensuring they receive the support they need to build strong foundational skills. As education systems adapt to the digital age, this focus is more important than ever.
This year, we are excited to contribute to the #CIES2025 discussions with engaging sessions that delve into behavioural science in education, system integration, localized math instruction, and the future of digital learning. While technology offers exciting opportunities, it’s vital that children’s ability to master the basics remains a top priority. By combining evidence-based learning methods with innovative approaches, we can bridge the gap between digital progress and meaningful learning outcomes. Join us as we explore how to keep foundational skills at the heart of education–empowering every child to thrive in a fast-changing world. Here’s a quick peek at our key sessions at CIES 2025:
Monday, March 24, 2025
Scaling and Systems Change in International Education Development
📍 Time: 4:30 – 5:45 PM
📍 Location: Palmer House, Floor: 7th, Burnham 4
Session Highlight: What does it take to embed foundational learning into national education systems? This session will unpack how TaRL has been integrated into Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire’s education landscapes, using a system-strengthening approach to drive sustainable change.
Panelists: Ashleigh Morrell (TaRL Africa), Jeffrey Nyandoro/CAMFED Zimbabwe and Scaling Advisory Committee Member/Zimbabwe, Mamadou Ly/Associates in Research and Education for Development (ARED), Knut Staring/University of Oslo
Discussant: Brad Olsen/Brookings
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Supporting Teachers and School Administration to Act on Children’s Learning Outcome Data
📍 Time: 8:00 – 9:15 AM
📍 Location: Summit Chicago, 205 N/ Michigan Avenue, 10th floor
Session Highlight: How can targeted instruction and feedback loops bridge student gaps and improve transitions across diverse education contexts? This session explores practical strategies for empowering teachers and school administrators to effectively interpret and act on children’s learning outcome data.
Presenters: Daniele Ressler (TaRL Africa)
Contributors: Hafsatu Hamza (TaRL Africa), Amos Dembele (TaRL Africa)
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Enhancing Mathematics Instruction in Sub-Saharan Africa: Localized, Evidence-Based Approaches
📍 Time: 1:15 – 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Palmer House, Floor: 7th, Dearborn 1
Session Highlight: Mathematics learning should reflect local languages and contexts. This session brings together education experts from across Sub-Saharan Africa to discuss how localized, evidence-based approaches are making foundational math more accessible and engaging for learners.
Presenters: Pumza Ndamase (TaRL Africa), Zolani Metu (Funda Wande), Awa Ka Dia (ARED)
Exploring Teacher Effectiveness, Technology Integration, and Equity in Education
📍 Time: 2:45 – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Palmer House, Floor: 3rd, The Ashland Room
Session Highlight: As education moves further into the digital age, how can technology be leveraged to support teachers? This session will explore insights from TaRL Africa’s digital innovations, discussing what works, what doesn’t, and what’s next for tech-enabled teacher development.
Presenters: Daniele Ressler (TaRL Africa), Theresa Lubozha (Health Learners), Kodjo Aflagah,
Co-authors: Sabina Obere (TaRL Africa), Dennis Kyalo (Head of Research at INKOMOKO)
Contributors: Hafsatu Hamza (TaRL Africa), Amos Dembele (TaRL Africa)
If you’re attending CIES 2025, we’d love to connect! Join us at our sessions or reach out to schedule a conversation. For more information, contact us at: partnerships@tarlafrica.org
#FLNAfrica #CIES2025 #TaRLAfrica
