Issue 9 | New challenges in the classroom

Welcome to OECD Policy Focus, where we showcase the latest data and analysis from the OECD. 

Our OECD Environment Directorate just finished their 12th Forum on Green Finance and Investment, where experts gathered to discuss how best to mobilise resources to tackle climate mitigation and adaptation, address the biodiversity crisis, and achieve economic resilience. Missed out on the event? Keep an eye out on our LinkedIn for the chance to ask an OECD expert about climate action and economic growth.

In the meantime, here is what you can look forward to in this week's edition of Policy Focus:

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Learn how the OECD created the world’s largest teaching survey, and explore reports on population ageing, mental health and the intersection of science, innovation and sustainability.

THE DEEP DIVE: The fourth edition of the OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) reveals how AI is deployed in the classroom. 

THE LAST WORD: Hear from Director of Public Governance Elsa Pilichowski about the new OECD speaker series on empowering understanding of public finances. 

COMING SOON: Register for upcoming webinars.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Populations are ageing rapidly across the OECD, with the share of those 80 and above expected to double by 2050. Learn more about the policy solutions that could meet the growing demand for long-term care and promote healthy ageing close to people’s homes.

How can policymakers scale up effective mental health interventions? School and workplace programmes, mental health literacy, and early detection and support could all deliver measurable health and economic benefits, according to a new OECD report.

Environmental innovation is making low-carbon energy and transport more affordable faster than previously thought possible. Measuring the contribution of science and innovation to sustainable growth will be key to designing successful policies for the green transition.

The OECD Teaching and Learning Survey records the perspectives of 280 000 teachers in 55 education systems, ensuring their voices are heard in education policymaking. Take a look behind the scenes to see how the survey is conducted.

THE DEEP DIVE

Artificial intelligence has rapidly made its way into schools. One in three teachers now uses artificial intelligence for work but seven out of ten worry that it facilitates plagiarism and cheating among students, according to the OECD Teaching and Learning Survey (TALIS). 

Andreas SCHLEICHER analyses why teachers might use AI in their work, and explains how it can be used responsibly in the classroom: 

Teachers and education systems have a responsibility to embrace this technology while also protecting students against its harmful effects. Singapore and the United Arab Emirates are leading the way, with around 75% of their teachers using AI. Importantly, teachers in these systems are also most likely to report having received professional learning in its use. 

Explore the digital report 

THE LAST WORD

OECD countries are facing long-term fiscal pressures, and trade-offs will be required to manage public finances in a sustainable way. But how do policymakers get the public on board? A new speaker series from the OECD tackles this exact question. 

Read Director of the Directorate for Public Governance Elsa Pilichowski 's thoughts on the fresh approaches needed to engage the public on the major fiscal challenges governments face today. 

COMING SOON

15 October: From risk to resilience: Integrating water into financial stability frameworks 

16 October: Social Connections and Loneliness in OECD Countries 

16 October: Empowering Public Understanding of Public Finances: Why we need to improve fiscal literacy, and how we can do it 

17 October: AI for ageing: Identifying older people in need of social services 

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