Deadline: 21-Sep-2025
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund is launching a research initiative in Navoiy Region, Uzbekistan and Houaphan Province, Lao PDR to measure the effectiveness of education technology tools in improving mathematics learning outcomes.
The study will focus on generating evidence to guide governments and partners in scaling effective solutions for students in both countries.
The research will be carried out in close collaboration with UNICEF’s Learning Innovation Hub team. Between September and October 2025, the selected research partner will finalize the study design, including a theory of change, detailed methodology, sampling frame, and tools such as questionnaires. These instruments will be tested and translated before use, with translation support provided by UNICEF. The design and instruments will be presented to a reference group for review and feedback.
In the next phase, from November to December 2025, the research partner will prepare Institutional Review Board (IRB) proposals and secure clearance before data collection begins. Depending on the approved methodology, baseline data collection may also be conducted during this period, accompanied by quality control and initial analysis for both Lao PDR and Uzbekistan. The analysis will include statistical tables, graphs, and raw datasets.
From November 2025 through June 2026, the partner will submit documentation every two to three months capturing progress and challenges in implementation. This will cover infrastructure issues such as device availability, internet connectivity, and electricity, as well as the capacity of teachers and school leaders, alignment with national curricula, and responsiveness of the EdTech provider. The documentation will also highlight critical success factors, lessons learned, and recommendations.
Endline data collection will take place between June and July 2026, followed by quality control and detailed analysis. Initial findings will be presented during validation sessions with government and education stakeholders in both countries. Between July and August 2026, draft reports will be prepared—one for Lao PDR, one for Uzbekistan, and a joint report for a wider audience, with potential for academic publication.
Final reports and presentations will be delivered between August and September 2026. These will include one report for Lao PDR, one for Uzbekistan, and a consolidated report, all in English. Alongside the reports, the research partner will deliver all relevant data, including statistical tables, graphs, and raw datasets.
This research aims to provide governments with actionable evidence on how digital learning tools can improve mathematics outcomes, while also contributing to the global knowledge base on education technology in diverse contexts.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
