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How Early Morning Classes Change Academic Trajectories: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

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  • Anthony LokTing Yim

Abstract

I examine how early morning classes affect students educational trajectories by exploiting a natural experiment which randomized class time to students. I find that enrolling in early morning classes lowers students course grades and the likelihood of future STEM course enrollment. Early morning classes also cause a 79% reduction that a student study in the corresponding major. To understand the mechanism, I conducted a survey of undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory course, some of whom were assigned to a 7:30 AM section. I find evidence of a decrease in human capital accumulation and learning quality for early morning sections.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony LokTing Yim, 2023. "How Early Morning Classes Change Academic Trajectories: Evidence from a Natural Experiment," Purdue University Economics Working Papers 1334, Purdue University, Department of Economics.
  • Handle: RePEc:pur:prukra:1334
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    File URL: https://business.purdue.edu/research/working-papers-series/2023/1334.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Higher Education; Human Capital; STEM; College Major;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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