Education & Employers Research Digest
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Education and Employers
Research Digest - June 2025
Full summaries of all publications contained in the Digest are available by clicking the link embedded titles.
We are always looking to promote the work of others in related fields. To share your publications, conferences, events, or blog posts with our network please email: research@educationandemployers.org
In case you haven’t seen it, our free, searchable online library of research from around the world is available here: Research Library
PUBLICATIONS
Bridging potential and opportunity: the experiences of NSF S-STEM scholars
Elisabeth (Lyzz) Davis, Joseph Taylor, Tia Clinton, Sarah Mae Olivar, Kelly Peters, Melissa Rodgers, and Kyle Neering.
The report seeks to understand which project components are most effective, how scholars experience them, and what factors support scholar engagement—as well as what areas may benefit from additional attention to further strengthen outcomes. The findings aim to support ongoing improvements and ensure that the program remains responsive to scholars’ evolving needs.
What works to amplify the rights and voices of youth in education and employment?
UNFPA and UNICEF
This report aims to build an evidence base of good practices and lessons learned; promote evidence based interventions; establish accountability mechanisms; and strengthen partnerships among the United Nations, donors, and local and national partners.
The state of learning and equity in education
OECD
The report indicates that across OECD countries, about three-quarters of students feel confident using educational technologies like learning-management systems and video communication platforms. Those who use digital devices for learning activities in school for up to one hour daily tend to score 14 points higher in mathematics compared to those who don't, even when considering socio-economic factors. This positive effect is observed in over half of the systems with available data. However, technology used for leisure—such as mobile phones—often correlates with lower academic performance. Additionally, students who are distracted by peers using digital devices during math lessons score 15 points lower than those who rarely experience such distractions, even after accounting for socio-economic factors.
UNESCO
The report discusses gender disparity in education leadership. It shows the result of entrenched stereotypes and biases – conscious or unconscious – on the one hand and on the other institutional processes or professional development mechanisms that are insufficiently supportive. It recommends for countries to take a much closer look at gender disparity in education leadership and adopt measures to raise awareness, improve mechanisms and strengthen capacities to address discrimination and bias and thus encourage women who aspire to such careers to pursue them.
Understanding the value of pre-apprenticeships
Joanne Waugh, Melinda Lees and Craig Hansen
This report confirms the value of pre-apprenticeships in improving apprenticeship outcomes, highlights the need for careful program design and implementation. To maximise their impact in preparing apprentices for successful careers, pre-apprenticeship programs must: be tailored to the specific needs of different student and training cohorts; support completion; and maintain strong alignment with apprenticeships, where appropriate.
Back to the future of education
OECD
The report is a companion volume to the Trends Shaping Education series, a triannual publication that highlights key global megatrends and their potential impact on education. While megatrends focus on patterns from the past to inspire thinking about the future, scenarios allow us to consider newly emerging patterns and possibilities.
Earning while Learning: student employment
Kim Allen, Rachel Cohen, Kirsty Finn, Kate Hardy Mia Zhong, Lilith Brouwers, and Cassie Kill
The report shows that many young people engage in paid work during their studies, which is more common among young women students. Earning While Learning is a key site where young people are already engaging with employers and accruing important first-hand experiences and knowledge about work and the workplace. However, these experiences are not always positive, and can be a site where young people experience poor treatment and low pay, as well as gendered treatment and sexual harassment. Improving the conditions of student work is not only crucial for young people’s wellbeing but potential future outcomes.
COMMENTS
Innovative financing: a catalyst for success in secondary vocational education and training
Diego Angel-Urdinola and Maurice D. Kugler
Two visions for EdTech: lessons from yesterday for the technology of tomorrow
Frank Van Cappelle and Cristóbal Cobo
Where does girls’ maths anxiety come from?
Anna Cristina D’Addio
EVENTS
We believe no child should be constrained by stereotypes or the expectations of others. We know that if young people hear firsthand about the world of work, they work harder, get better grades and are more likely to break down barriers.
They should have the chance to start as early as possible, and that is why we launched the national I am #InspiringTheFuture campaign.
Any views expressed in the publications featured in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of Education and Employers.
