Traditionally, policy has focused on structural changes that are designed to achieve education goals, yet behavioural science shows that the small details of what teachers, parents or learners say and do can have a significant influence, too.
Since many traditional policies do not work in education (one can’t legislate to make learners pay attention in class, for example), behavioural insights can be particularly valuable because they can shed light on low-cost but high-impact ways that encourage positive behaviours among learners, teachers and parents.
At BIT, we partner with educational institutions worldwide, successfully completing more than 60 projects in education, testing strategies in more than 500 schools with 180,000 students. Our team includes former teachers, student presidents and youth workers, all of whom bring first-hand expertise to their work.
Our work has included reducing primary school pupil absenteeism, encouraging teenagers to attend top universities and improving attendance at tutoring sessions through a behaviourally-informed activity that targeted the quality of the tutor-pupil relationship.
Early years
BIT’s education experts help our clients to improve attendance and engagement in early childhood education programs.
Further education
BIT’s behavioural expertise and insights help education institutions improve students’ sense of belonging, reduce dropout and increase engagement.
Adult learning
BIT’s expert insights helps learners, and the organisations who support them, overcome skills gaps and fully access the learning opportunities available.
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Insights into our education work
Common ground: helping tutors and pupils find similarities boosts session attendance
Meet our expert team
Dr Kathryn Atherton
Senior Advisor
Anna Bird
Principal Advisor
Lal Chadeesingh
Principal Advisor
Dr Patrick Taylor
Principal Research Advisor