DVD-Based Distance-Learning Program for University Entrance Exams in Bangladesh

Last registered on June 28, 2021
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Pre-Trial

Trial Information

General Information

Title
DVD-Based Distance-Learning Program for University Entrance Exams in Bangladesh
RCT ID
AEARCTR-0007881
Initial registration date
June 26, 2021

Initial registration date is when the trial was registered.

It corresponds to when the registration was submitted to the Registry to be reviewed for publication.

First published
June 28, 2021, 5:50 PM EDT

First published corresponds to when the trial was first made public on the Registry after being reviewed.

Locations

Country
Bangladesh
Region
Chandpur District of Chittagong Division

Primary Investigator

Name
Yasuyuki Sawada
Affiliation
Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo
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Other Primary Investigator(s)

PI Name
Hisaki Kono
PI Affiliation
Kyoto University
Contact Investigator
PI Name
Abu Shonchoy
PI Affiliation
Florida International University
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Additional Trial Information

Status
Completed
Start date
2011-12-09
End date
2015-03-02
Keywords
Behavior, Education
Additional Keywords
Distance Learning, Computer-based teaching, Tertiary education, Bangladesh
JEL code(s)
I21; I23
Secondary IDs
IRB of University of Tokyo (ref. 15-173)
Abstract
We conduct RCTs to evaluate a DVD-based distance-learning program targeted at university entrance exam preparation for students in rural Bangladesh. University entrance exams in Bangladesh are highly competitive and require dedicated test preparation to ensure success. Most urban students taking university entrance exams attend prep schools called “coaching centers,” or hire private tutors for exam preparation. Such services rarely extend to rural areas due to the limited market and the unwillingness of teachers to live in such areas. In addition, the fees charged for these services are often beyond the reach of rural households. As a result, rural students systematically underperform in entrance exams, narrowing their opportunities to receive tertiary education. To correct the accessibility gap, we created DVD lectures taught by reputable prep school teachers and provided rural students with access to these DVD lectures, using laptops together with lecture notes and problem-solving tutorial classes. We evaluate this program by conducting two randomized experiments: The first experiment is to evaluate the impact of the program; and the second experiment is to examine its price sensitivity. The study site is in Chandpur District of Chittagong Division, located 220 km away from the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka
External Link(s)
The initial results of the experiments

Registration Citation

Citation
Kono, Hisaki, Yasuyuki Sawada and Abu Shonchoy. 2021. "DVD-Based Distance-Learning Program for University Entrance Exams in Bangladesh." AEA RCT Registry. June 28. https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.7881-1.0
Sponsors & Partners

Sponsors

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Experimental Details

Interventions

Intervention(s)
We conducting two randomized experiments on DVD-based distance-learning program provided to students who are preparing for university entrance exams.
Intervention Start Date
2012-02-01
Intervention End Date
2015-02-26

Primary Outcomes

Primary Outcomes (end points)
Students passing entrance exams; and demand for the program.
Primary Outcomes (explanation)

Secondary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes (end points)
Secondary Outcomes (explanation)

Experimental Design

Experimental Design
We conducting two randomized experiments. The first experiment is to evaluate the impact of the program in which the treated students were provided with free access to the full package, which included the DVD lectures, lecture notes, and problem-solving tutorial classes. The students in the control group were provided only the lecture notes. The second experiment is to examine price sensitivity.of demand for DVD-based distance-learning program in which students who registered within three days of a set period would be given a discount (tuition) price, either 25%, 50%, or 75% of the full price, at a rate to be randomly selected after registration. The full (tuition) price was set at 3600 BDT (approximately 46 US$), which was still well below the cost of available alternatives such as local coaching centers.
Experimental Design Details
Randomization Method
Randomization done in office by a computer
Randomization Unit
Individual student
Was the treatment clustered?
Yes

Experiment Characteristics

Sample size: planned number of clusters
160 pupils
Sample size: planned number of observations
160 pupils
Sample size (or number of clusters) by treatment arms
80 pupils in the control group, and 80 students in the treatment group
Minimum detectable effect size for main outcomes (accounting for sample design and clustering)
Supporting Documents and Materials
IRB

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)

IRB Name
The IRB of the University of Tokyo
IRB Approval Date
Details not available
IRB Approval Number
15-173
Analysis Plan

Post-Trial

Post Trial Information

Study Withdrawal

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Intervention

Is the intervention completed?
No
Data Collection Complete
Data Publication

Data Publication

Is public data available?
No

Program Files

Program Files
Reports, Papers & Other Materials

Relevant Paper(s)

Reports & Other Materials