The OECD has released the results of the Teacher Knowledge Survey (TKS), the first large-scale international assessment of teachers’ General Pedagogical Knowledge (GPK), which refer to the core set of skills that govern how teachers manage classrooms, structure instruction, and respond to student learning needs.
Conducted in 2024 across eight countries, including the United States, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia, the survey establishes a strong positive correlation between national average GPK scores and student performance in PISA 2022 mathematics and reading. This reinforces a key insight: teaching quality depends not only on subject knowledge, but on how effectively that knowledge is delivered.
The findings show that teachers with higher GPK use classroom time more efficiently, spending significantly more time on instruction and less on discipline or administrative tasks. In countries such as Saudi Arabia and Morocco, higher GPK levels are associated with up to 22% more time dedicated to teaching and learning. At the same time, these teachers report lower levels of work-related stress, particularly in managing classroom behaviour and addressing diverse student needs.
The survey also highlights structural determinants of pedagogical knowledge. Teachers with formal bachelor’s or master’s degrees and those trained through traditional teacher education programmes consistently outperform those with fast-track or subject-only certifications. In addition, professional collaboration, such as sharing instructional materials, is strongly associated with higher GPK scores.
Key Data Points and Findings
Classroom Efficiency: High GPK scores correlate with more time on "teaching and learning" and less on "administrative tasks" or "classroom discipline."
Stress Mitigation: Higher GPK is a protective factor against stress related to workload, accountability, and managing diverse student needs.
Adaptive Teaching: Expert teachers are more likely to adapt explanations based on student struggle and prior knowledge.
Qualification Impact: Teachers with bachelor's or master's degrees systematically outperform those with lower or non-traditional qualifications in GPK.
Collaboration Bonus: Active professional collaboration, such as exchanging instructional materials, is linked to higher pedagogical scores.
National Variance: Significant gaps exist between nations; for example, Portugal (274) vs. Saudi Arabia (218) against an international average of 250.
What is "General Pedagogical Knowledge" (GPK)?
General Pedagogical Knowledge (GPK) is the "specialised intelligence" that allows a teacher to manage a classroom and facilitate learning, regardless of the subject they are teaching.
While "Subject Matter Knowledge" is knowing the math or history itself, GPK is knowing how to explain a complex concept, how to assess if a student is confused, and how to keep a class of 40 students focused and motivated. The OECD TKS measures this as the core expertise that defines teaching as a profession, distinct from simply being an expert in a specific field.
Policy Relevance
Validates NEP 2020 Reforms: The TKS findings strongly support India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 move toward the 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), emphasizing that pedagogical training is non-negotiable for student success.
Informs B.Ed. Curriculum Redesign: As the NCTE revamps teacher training, the TKS data provides a benchmark for integrating more "Classroom Management" and "Adaptive Teaching" modules to reduce early-career teacher burnout.
Boosts PISA Readiness: With India aiming to participate in future PISA cycles, investing in GPK, rather than just rote subject coaching, emerges as a scientifically proven pathway to improve national scores.
Supports Inclusive Classrooms: The report’s link between GPK and managing "diverse learning needs" is critical for India's Samagra Shiksha mission, ensuring teachers can handle classrooms with vast socio-economic and cognitive diversity.
Encourages Teacher Collaboration: The finding that "exchanging materials" boosts GPK supports the scaling of Indian digital platforms like DIKSHA, where teachers share peer-reviewed lesson plans and pedagogical tools.
Follow The Full Report Here: OECD: Results from the Teacher Knowledge Survey 2026