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The Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's learning and wellbeing: Evidence from India

Author

Listed:
  • Guariso, Andrea

    (Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets (Misum))

  • Björkman Nyqvist, Martina

    (Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets (Misum))

Abstract

We study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated school clo- sure on primary school children’s learning and mental wellbeing in Assam, India. Using a comprehensive dataset that tracked and repeatedly surveyed approximately 5,000 children across 200 schools between 2018 and 2022, we find that children lost the equivalent of nine months of learning in mathe- matics and eleven months in language, during the pandemic. Children lack- ing resources and parental support experienced the largest losses. Regular practice, teacher interaction, and technology helped sustain learning. Over the same period, children’s psychological wellbeing improved. Our research provides valuable insights for designing post-emergency programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Guariso, Andrea & Björkman Nyqvist, Martina, 2023. "The Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's learning and wellbeing: Evidence from India," Misum Working Paper Series 2023-12, Stockholm School of Economics, Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets (Misum).
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:hamisu:2023_012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Petra E. Todd & Kenneth I. Wolpin, 2007. "The Production of Cognitive Achievement in Children: Home, School, and Racial Test Score Gaps," Journal of Human Capital, University of Chicago Press, vol. 1(1), pages 91-136.
    2. Brian Jacob & Jesse Rothstein, 2016. "The Measurement of Student Ability in Modern Assessment Systems," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 30(3), pages 85-108, Summer.
    3. Abhijeet Singh & Mauricio Romero & Karthik Muralidharan, 2022. "Covid-19 Learning Loss and Recovery: Panel Data Evidence from India," CESifo Working Paper Series 10031, CESifo.
    4. Benjamin Hansen & Joseph J. Sabia & Jessamyn Schaller, 2022. "In-Person Schooling and Youth Suicide: Evidence from School Calendars and Pandemic School Closures," NBER Working Papers 30795, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; School Closure; Primary School; Learning Loss; Psychological Wellbeing; India;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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