Lima – Developing and assessing student learning levels—particularly in mathematics, science, and English—from early education to the start of university is the focus of three projects at the center of a mission by the University of Udine in Peru.

The initiatives were conceived by Enrico Gori, a statistics professor and senior faculty member at the Friulian university, who presented them to the acting rector of the Catholic University Sedes Sapientiae in Lima, Gian Battista Fausto Bolis. The projects employ advanced statistical methodologies to measure student progress.

The first project applies the Rasch model to create learning growth curves—similar to those used for tracking weight and height—allowing for the monitoring and support of student development. This approach aims to identify weaknesses early on and prevent academic setbacks.

The second project compares an innovative learning method with the traditional approach, highlighting that it is not family wealth but the quality of teaching that determines student outcomes.

The third project seeks to compare the performance of students in Lima with those in the Amazon rainforest, also promoting the training of bilingual teachers.

“As studies by Professor Eric Hanushek from Stanford University indicate,” explains Gori, “learning levels, especially in mathematics and science, drive economic development, rather than the other way around. This challenges the common belief that family income largely determines student achievement.”

Instead, Gori emphasizes, “It is the quality of teaching and an effective educational structure—one that provides each student with support and instruction tailored to their starting level—that makes the real difference.” (9colonne)