EDUCATION MATTERS
Dr. Anne Traynor presenting her R&D project at the IRC session 3C in Rome, Italy on 25 June 2025.
Together, these research projects push the frontiers of educational measurement by developing smarter tools, fairer assessments, and more meaningful data—but their influences are complex and often indirect. The R&D team has been working with the IEA
is possible now or have tangible implications for current studies (e.g., AI-supported scoring and coding). Others point to possible future directions, which may not be convincing enough for operational use (e.g., automated item generation) yet may
“Together, these research projects push the frontiers of educational measurement.”
Standing Committee, the IEA Technical Executive Group (TEG), study directors, and the wider network to ensure that R&D outcomes are available in ways that can benefit IEA and our studies. This year's IRC in Rome featured many outcomes across five different sessions, including one dedicated to the IEA R&D Fund. At the adjacent TEG meeting, we provided overviews of each published outcome and project in progress, inviting TEG members and study directors to reflect on findings and recommendations. The discussion showed that—rather than focusing on direct and mechanical implementation of results—each outcome should be evaluated based on its applicability to individual studies and the work of IEA. Some projects showcase what
generate new hypotheses and serve as a steppingstone rather than an immediate solution. It is clear from this that implementation is not the only measure of a successful R&D project. These projects thus build a base of knowledge about what does and does not work within IEA studies and can therefore have a broader influence on IEA's work and the field. Finally, outward facing communication has been flagged as a crucial tool given that the R&D projects equally inform IEA’s own studies as well as the wider field. In this line of thought, we are happy that two completed projects will be presented to the IEA General Assembly in Madrid this October. To strengthen this even further, the R&D team plans to improve the website to make the landing page and outcomes more visible and encourage publications and conference appearances. ■
R&D calls for submissions take place annually around June and July. For more information or to see outcomes of existing R&D fund projects, please visit the IEA website: iea.nl/about/opportunities/rdfund
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