Sule Alan (European University Institute)

joint with Ipek Mumcu

We evaluate a pedagogical intervention that aims to improve the learning quality of elementary school children by nurturing their curiosity. We test the effectiveness of the pedagogy using achievement scores and a novel measure of curiosity. The latter involves first creating a sense of information deprivation, then quantifying the urge to acquire information and the ability to retain information. The intervention increases curiosity, the ability to retain knowledge, and science test scores. It also leads to more efficient information dissemination in the classroom. The evidence can help design better pedagogical tools to increase pupil engagement and the quality of learning.

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