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Mathematics Camps: A Gift for Gifted Students

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  • Ainoa Aparicio Fenoll
  • Flavia Coda-Moscarola
  • Sarah Zaccagni

Abstract

We evaluate the short run impact of a mathematics camp for gifted high school students. During the camp, students work in teams, trying to solve advanced mathematical problems with the help of manipulatives. We randomize participation in the camp and test the effects of such participation on problem-solving skills, self-concept, and career intentions. Results show that participants improve their problem-solving skills, especially in questions that require the use of logic. We also find positive effects on students’ self-concept: students declare to be less neurotic and more extrovert. Gifted students with relatively lower school math scores benefit more from the program. Finally, participating in the mathematics camp makes students more willing to go to university.

Suggested Citation

  • Ainoa Aparicio Fenoll & Flavia Coda-Moscarola & Sarah Zaccagni, 2021. "Mathematics Camps: A Gift for Gifted Students," Carlo Alberto Notebooks 647, Collegio Carlo Alberto.
    • Handle: RePEc:cca:wpaper:647
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    Cited by:

    1. Ainoa Aparicio Fenoll & Sarah Zaccagni, 2021. "Gender Mix and Team Performance: Differences between Exogenously and Endogenously Formed Teams," CEBI working paper series 21-03, University of Copenhagen. Department of Economics. The Center for Economic Behavior and Inequality (CEBI).
    2. Aparicio Fenoll, Ainoa & Zaccagni, Sarah, 2022. "Gender mix and team performance: Differences between exogenously and endogenously formed teams," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    randomized control trial; mathematics; extra-curricular courses; gifted students; talented students.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D04 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Policy: Formulation; Implementation; Evaluation
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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