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From Choice to Performance in Secondary Schools: Evidence from a Disadvantaged Setting in Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Bussu

    (Edge Hill University)

  • Dimitri Paolini

    (University of Sassari
    CORE, Université Catholique de Louvain)

  • Manuela Pulina

    (University of Sassari)

  • Giuseppe Zanzurino

    (University of Sassari)

Abstract

This study employs detailed micro-data to uncover the factors influencing secondary school choice and performance and, ultimately, dropout risks within a multidimensional framework. The findings reveal that young people’s choice of a comprehensive secondary school, characterised by a higher dropout rate, is highly influenced by future expectations and family background. Further, teachers’ role, learning methods and technology positively drive performance. Perceived cognitive skills only affect students’ performance given their choice. Besides, an ANOVA analysis assesses that the interaction between cognitive and non-cognitive skills impacts performance. Peer study is pivotal for success in individuals with perceived cognitive difficulties.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Bussu & Dimitri Paolini & Manuela Pulina & Giuseppe Zanzurino, 2023. "From Choice to Performance in Secondary Schools: Evidence from a Disadvantaged Setting in Italy," Italian Economic Journal: A Continuation of Rivista Italiana degli Economisti and Giornale degli Economisti, Springer;Società Italiana degli Economisti (Italian Economic Association), vol. 9(2), pages 529-555, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:italej:v:9:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s40797-021-00178-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s40797-021-00178-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Young people; Secondary school; Choice; Performance; Non-cognitive skills;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • O52 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Europe

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