Learning and teaching strategies as related to language arts in China: A heterogeneity study

Based on data from a large-scale assessment of school quality in China, this study examined the differences in the impact of learning and teaching strategies on the students’ academic achievements between elementary and middle schools. Two-level hierarchical linear models and coarsened exact matching revealed three major findings: (a) Cognitive, meta-cognitive, and inquiry-based learning strategies were significant predictors of students’ academic achievements, and the effect sizes of these strategies were larger in middle schools; (b) Individualized instruction, participatory instruction, and guided inquiry teaching strategies were significant predictors of students’ achievements, and the effect sizes of these strategies were larger in elementary schools; (c) Overall teaching strategies significantly improved learning strategies, and the effects were greater in elementary schools. These findings call for more research on learning/teaching strategies to improve students' academic performance.