International Large-Scale Assessments (ILSAs): A Symbiotic Relationship with Comparative and International Education

International Large-Scale Assessments (ILSAs) and Comparative and International Education (CIE) are closely related fields that benefit from a symbiotic relationship. ILSAs provide CIE with valuable data on student achievement and educational systems worldwide, while CIE provides ILSAs with a deeper understanding of the cultural and social factors that influence education across different contexts. This book chapter explores this symbiotic relationship in detail. The chapter begins by introducing the foundational elements of ILSAs, including their motivations, key methodologies, and ethical dimensions. It then discusses the historical and contemporary applications of ILSAs in CIE, highlighting their contributions to understanding educational systems worldwide. The chapter then critically evaluates ILSAs within CIE contexts, acknowledging their limitations and highlighting their potential to advance our understanding of education. Finally, the chapter applies the ILSA methodology to the research theme of Teaching Quality in Primary Education, demonstrating how ILSAs can be used to enhance our understanding of pedagogical effectiveness and learning outcomes on a global scale. The chapter concludes by arguing that ILSAs and CIE are essential partners in the quest to understand and improve education around the world. By working together, these two fields can advance our understanding of the intricate fabric of education and shape the future of international educational discourse.