Haste Makes No Waste: Positive Peer Effects of Classroom Speed Competition on Learning

B-Tier
Journal: Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics
Year: 2023
Volume: 85
Issue: 4
Pages: 755-772

Authors (4)

Hikaru Kawarazaki (not in RePEc) Minhaj Mahmud (Asian Development Bank) Yasuyuki Sawada (University of Tokyo) Mai Seki (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.503 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of speed competition in classrooms on young pupils' learning outcomes. To examine how faster peers' speed affects slower pupils' speed and learning, we employ students' daily progress data in a self‐learning programme at BRAC primary schools in Bangladesh. The programme's unique setting allows us to address the reflection problem reasonably well. While speed competition could generate negative consequences, our results show overall positive peer effects on problem‐solving time and scores. The effects are stronger among peers with similar abilities, without negatively affecting others. Our results show efficiency gains from non‐market competition in education and learning.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:obuest:v:85:y:2023:i:4:p:755-772
Journal Field
General
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-25