Title: Why our kids don't study : an economist's perspective /
Authors: Owen, John D., 1931-
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press,
Year: 1995
Subjects: Academic achievement United States; Study environment United States.; Motivation in education United States.; Labor supply Effect of education on United States.
Abstract: Why do American students put less effort into school than those in almost any other industrialized country? The answer, suggests labor economist John Owen, is a startlingly simple matter of economic incentives. For most students, he contends, studying hard is literally not worth the trouble. Owen explains that for high school graduates without a college diploma or specialized skills, getting a good job depends largely on how well they do in the employment interview - not on how well they did in school. Even for the college-bound, incentives are limited, as many colleges accept students based on their ability to pay rather than their academic standings.
Contents: Our kids don't study much -- Students prefer to do other things -- Why study? -- Does studying pay? Returns to those staying in school -- The return to those who leave school -- Limiting incentives at school -- Should we care? The role of social policy -- Borrowing from abroad -- Can our schools demand more effort? -- Creating positive incentives for study.