How can civic education empower students to participate in society? Civic and social engagement—such as voting and trust in government—is declining, especially among young people and marginalised groups. In addition, significant disparities in participation persist, shaped by factors such as education level, gender and socio-economic background

This new working paper explores how civic education can make a difference, highlighting classroom strategies that can boost student participation in democratic life. Drawing on data from the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) and other sources, it examines which teaching practices are most effective in fostering engaged and informed citizens.

Building on insights from the Strengthening the Impact of Education Research series, this final report shifts the focus from policymakers to practice, exploring how knowledge intermediaries help bridge research, policy and education.

Based on data from 288 organisations across 34 countries, highlights include how these groups support teachers and education leaders in using evidence to inform decisions, collaborate and improve practice. The report also identifies gaps in skills and infrastructure, calling for stronger support in knowledge mobilisation. A valuable resource for educators, it underscores the importance of coordination and research-driven strategies to strengthen education systems.

How can you help disengaged teenagers rediscover their passion for learning? In this episode of Top Class, Rebecca Winthrop, a Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, discusses with OECD’s Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher her new book The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, co-authored with Jenny Anderson.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher or simply interested in the topic, this episode outlines practical strategies and policies to make education engaging and relevant.

Are the best and brightest choosing to become teachers? The OECD’s Survey of Adult Skills suggests that, in most countries, teachers’ skills are comparable to other university graduates—but not necessarily among the top third. However, in high-performing education systems like Japan, Korea and Canada, teachers often outperform the average graduate in numeracy.

While strong teacher skills can contribute to student success, they are not the only factor. Countries like Singapore achieve top student results despite teachers scoring lower on numeracy tests. The blogs key takeaway? To build a high-quality teaching workforce, education systems must make teaching an attractive and well-respected profession through better career prospects, professional development, and competitive pay—ensuring the best candidates not only enter teaching but also stay and thrive.

The role of digital devices in the classroom is widely debated, but a new OECD pilot study, Technology use at school and students’ learning outcomes, offers useful insights for teachers.

Research involving 730 students in Germany found that when used purposefully in core subjects like maths, science and languages, digital tools improved problem-solving, computational thinking and self-regulated learning. Students who regularly engaged with technology in class also scored up to 15% higher in test runs for the OECD’s PISA 2025 modules. While concerns about distractions remain, over 70% of students said digital tools made learning more engaging and helped them retain knowledge.

Check out the blog for resources and some of the reports key findings. 

25 February 13:00 CET

OECD data finds that young people consistently express less trust in government and lower satisfaction with democracy than older age groups across OECD countries. At the same time, young people continue to engage in the political debate and demonstrate leadership in other ways, such as through demonstrations, social movements, boycotting products or signing e-petitions. Youth’s participation in democratic processes remains key to ensure their long-term sustainability.

This webinar will explore policies and initiatives that countries are implementing to promote civic literacy and participation among young people, building on the findings of recent OECD analysis on civic education and on youth volunteering. It will promote exchange on best practices, address key challenges, and explore innovative approaches to empower young people in democratic societies.