Author(s) :

Laura Souza Gomes Stumpf.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Behavioral economics departs from the notion that people always make rational choices and provides insights into how predictable cognitive biases affect educational behavior. This narrative review explores the use of behavioral economics, heuristics, and nudge theory, specifically focusing on educational nudges to enhance students’ engagement, persistence and attainment. This literature narrative review examines the role and the application of behavioral economics and nudging strategies in education such as present bias, goal setting, reminders, social comparisons, default options, framing, loss aversion, and mindset interventions, noting that they may be effective in different contexts and with different populations such as high school and college students. It also addresses ethical considerations related to the use of nudges in education, particularly transparency, data privacy, autonomy, equity and persuasive technologies. Overall, the literature suggests that low-cost behavioral interventions can add to, but not be a substitute for, more comprehensive education policies and pedagogical approaches.