Fast Facts
The Challenge
A significant number of children are out of school worldwide and this situation has been exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19. Many of the most marginalized who were previously enrolled in schools are at risk of never returning.
Our Role
Our role is to close the evidence gap by helping decision makers understand how nudge technologies and messaging apps can re-engage students, reduce out-of-school rates, and enhance learning outcomes.
Our Goal
Our goal is to end simplistic approaches to messaging. While messaging is often seen as the most cost-effective way to increase Learning-Adjusted Years of Schooling (LAYS), the evidence supporting this is limited, and there is little understanding of the factors that make messaging more or less effective in different contexts. As a result, policymakers frequently invest in messaging as if it were a silver bullet. By generating clear evidence on how messaging works across diverse settings, we can help ensure it has a greater impact on student participation and learning outcomes.
EdTech Hub’s Work
EdTech Hub focuses on how messaging and mobile technologies can support student participation and learning in low- and middle-income countries. Evidence shows that while messaging can re-engage learners, its impact is shaped by context, design, and complementary approaches. Key barriers include limited capacity-building, concerns around digital safety, low attention to sustaining impact, and inequitable access. Effective interventions combine personalised instruction, parental and community engagement, participatory approaches, and alignment with local pedagogical practices. Research from Botswana, Uganda, Iran, South Africa, and Cameroon demonstrates that messaging can improve engagement and learning outcomes, though results vary by delivery method and context. The evidence and resources below provide guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to design messaging interventions that are both effective and equitable.
What is ‘Nudging’ and How Does it Change Behaviour in Education?
This Learning Brief is part of the EdTech Hub Learning Brief Series, providing practical resources for people working to improve the use of technology in education. In this brief, we look at the behaviour change strategy of leveraging concise messages at strategic decision points (i.e., ‘nudging’) to influence the behaviour of a recipient towards a desired outcome. We focus on EdTech Hub’s work concerning nudge messaging. It builds on work from messaging interventions in Ghana and Kenya, linking these to the broader literature on the topic.
Related Studies
Voices from the Community
Wunni Sabo, a parent from the Zarantinga community, recalls a time when girls were discouraged from pursuing education. Nudge messaging helped him reinforce the importance of his daughter’s learning, knowledge, and self-reliance. His decision has had a lasting impact, benefiting his daughter and serving as a positive example within the community.
All Resources on Participation and Messaging
Frequently Asked Questions on Participation and Messaging for EdTech
How can messaging technologies improve student participation?
Messaging can help re-engage learners by providing reminders, encouragement, and personalised educational content. Evidence shows that when combined with contextualised instruction, community support, and participatory approaches, messaging can increase attendance, engagement, and learning outcomes.
What factors influence the effectiveness of messaging interventions?
Effectiveness depends on context, delivery method, and design. Barriers include limited capacity-building, concerns about digital safety, inequitable access, and low attention to sustaining impact. Interventions are more successful when personalised, aligned with local pedagogy, and complemented by parental or community engagement.
Evidence for Decision-Making
Explore our full publications library on Participation and Messaging to support policy and practice.
