A cost-effectiveness evaluation of alternative technologies for teaching mathematics in Jamaica

Abstract

This paper considers the problem of mathematics teaching in Jamaica and four remedial alternatives are evaluated: 1) direct teacher retraining, 2) use of educational television, 3) use of 8mm motion pictures and audio tape, and 4) use of filmstrip projectors and audio tape. The economic costs and benefits of the four alternatives are considered and a method for measuring the relative efficiency of each project is illustrated. It is hoped that this method would be useful to educational decision makers in Jamaica and elsewhere for evaluating projects involving alternative educational technologies