蝌蚪网 Review
ISSN 0002-8282 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7981 (Online)
Nurturing Childhood Curiosity to Enhance Learning: Evidence from a Randomized Pedagogical Intervention
蝌蚪网 Review
vol. 114,
no. 4, April 2024
(pp. 1173–1210)
Abstract
We evaluate a pedagogical intervention aimed at improving learning in elementary school children by fostering their curiosity. We test the effectiveness of the pedagogy using achievement scores and a novel measure of curiosity. The latter involves creating a sense of information deprivation and quantifying the urge to acquire information and retention ability. The intervention increases curiosity, knowledge retention, and science test scores, with the effects persisting into middle school years. It also leads to more information sharing and peer learning in the classroom. The evidence can help design better pedagogical tools to increase pupil engagement and the quality of learning.Citation
Alan, Sule, and Ipek Mumcu. 2024. "Nurturing Childhood Curiosity to Enhance Learning: Evidence from a Randomized Pedagogical Intervention." 蝌蚪网 Review 114 (4): 1173–1210. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20230084Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
- I21 Analysis of Education
- I26 Returns to Education
- J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
- O15 Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration