Fighting the Learning Crisis in Developing Countries

A Randomized Experiment of Self-Learning at the Right Level

Dados Bibliográficos

ID4362044
AutoresYoshihiro Sawada (0000-0002-4167-7697), Yasuyuki Sawada, Minhaj Mahmud (0000-0003-2432-6972), Mai Seki (0000-0001-8288-0467), Hikaru Kawarazaki (0000-0001-5587-8257)
Ano2024
Volume72
Fascículo4
Páginas1893-1921
Data de publicação2024-07-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoEconomic Development and Cultural Change (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0013-0079 • E-ISSN: 1539-2988
EditoraUniversity of Chicago Press (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1086/725909
OpenAlexW2999086738
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas27

This paper investigates the effectiveness of a globally popular method of self-learning at the right level in improving learning outcomes|the cognitive and non-cognitive abilities of disadvantaged pupils|in a developing country, Bangladesh. Using a randomized control trial design, we find substantial improvements in cognitive abilities measured by mathematics test scores and catch-up effects on aspects of non-cognitive abilities or personality traits measured by a self-esteem scale. We also find a longer-term impact on cognitive abilities regarding the math scores students obtained on national-level exams compared to the baseline test scores. Moreover, teachers' abilities to assess students' performance substantially improve. Our estimates indicate that the program's benefits exceed its costs. The above findings suggest that self-learning at the right level can effectively supplement the quality of primary education and hence address the learning crisis in developing countries

Developing country · Download · Economic growth · Economics · Political science · Randomized experiment · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Medicine · Parental Involvement in Education · Psychology · School Choice and Performance · Social and Cultural Dynamics