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A Library in the Palm of Your Hand? A Randomized Field Experiment with Low-Income Children

Author

Listed:
  • Anger, Silke

    (Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg)

  • Christoph, Bernhard

    (Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg)

  • Galkiewicz, Agata

    (University of Potsdam)

  • Margaryan, Shushanik

    (University of Potsdam)

  • Peter, Frauke

    (DZHW-German Centre for Research on Higher Education and Science Studies)

  • Sandner, Malte

    (Technische Hochschule Nürnberg)

  • Siedler, Thomas

    (University of Potsdam)

Abstract

Reading comprehension is critical for academic success, yet children from disadvantaged backgrounds often engage in reading less frequently than their more advantaged peers. This study evaluates the impact of a randomized reading intervention targeting 11{12-year-olds from low-income households in Germany. As part of the intervention, children received e-book readers with access to a large digital library of age-appropriate books. The results show a signicant increase in reading engage- ment, leading to improvements in academic performance. 12 months after the start of the intervention, academic performance improved by 10.3% of a standard devia- tion, with eects persisting at 9.6% after 30 months. Additionally, the intervention positively impacted the socioemotional well-being of the children.

Suggested Citation

  • Anger, Silke & Christoph, Bernhard & Galkiewicz, Agata & Margaryan, Shushanik & Peter, Frauke & Sandner, Malte & Siedler, Thomas, 2024. "A Library in the Palm of Your Hand? A Randomized Field Experiment with Low-Income Children," IZA Discussion Papers 17322, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17322
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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