Project Details

Background:

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, innovative solutions have emerged. Recent studies (Angrist et al., 2022; Hassan et al., 2021; Vlassopoulos et al., 2021) spotlighted the power of basic-feature phones for education and mental health support, transforming lives in remote corners of Botswana and rural Bangladesh. Building on these successes, this study harnesses the potential of mobile technology during the pandemic, amplifying parental engagement in education. In a world reshaped by COVID-19, we aim to bridge educational gaps, ensuring no child is left behind.

Project Description:

This study aims to provide regular tele-mentoring and/or tele-counselling sessions targeting mothers in rural Bangladesh in order to increase the time and quality of parental involvement in their children’s learning activities to ameliorate the potential adverse impacts of school closure and Covid-19 on children’s outcomes.

Researchers:

• Islam, Asadul (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI))
• Wang, Liang Choon (Chief Investigator (CI))

Study Area: Bangladesh

Contact: Bangkim Biswas ; bangkimbiswas@gmail.com

Objectives/Methodology:

The broad objectives of this study are to: 

1. Increase the time and quality of parental involvement in children’s learning activities.
2. Alleviate the adverse effects of school closures and Covid-19 on educational inequality.

The study employs a randomized control trial with village-level cluster randomization. This RCT tests the impacts of 4 variants of telementoring and/or tele-counseling sessions aiming to improve parental involvement in children's development:

(i) Weekly education and developmental support over the phone for mothers

(ii) Mental health and financial tele-counseling support for the mother;

(iii) Combination of treatment arms (i) and (ii)

(iv) Control arm: no intervention

Theme: Education and development

Specific Role of GDRI:

1. Conducting a Comprehensive Census
2. Baseline Survey Execution
3. Implementing Targeted Interventions
4. Endline Survey Administration
5. Data Cleaning and Management