Nudging Thai Children: Behavioral and Experimental Economic Approaches to Enhance Education among Underprivileged Youth

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of nudges derived from behavioral economics in promoting educational engagement and outcomes among underprivileged youth in rural Thailand. Initial assessments of career aptitude and personality revealed a strong interest in vocational fields. Recommendations include enhancing vocational education guidance and skill development initiatives to address labor shortages. Moreover, nudges such as "recommended subjects" proved effective in guiding students' course selections, alleviating decision-making pressures. The cohort experiment highlighted the significant impact of commitment contracts in increasing study hours and days, emphasizing the value of self-commitment in enhancing learning efficiency. These findings underscore the potential of behavioral economics in designing supportive educational policies without resorting to coercion, offering promising avenues for addressing educational disparities among disadvantaged youth.