Learning About Learning: Students' Course Choice

36 Pages Posted: 19 Jan 2005

See all articles by Ann L. Owen

Ann L. Owen

Hamilton College - Economics Department

Elizabeth Jensen

Hamilton College - Economics Department

Date Written: December 2004

Abstract

We use a broad sample of students to provide insight into the course selection process. Consistent with a learning model, we find that students with more years of college experience select courses that are a better match because they make better use of the information available to them. We also find evidence for a social learning process in that students rely heavily on advice from peers in selecting courses. Finally, students appear to be learning how to learn: As they gain college experience, they become more sophisticated in the use of social learning.

Keywords: course choice, social learning, peer effects, herd behavior

JEL Classification: A22, D83

Suggested Citation

Owen, Ann L. and Jensen, Elizabeth, Learning About Learning: Students' Course Choice (December 2004). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=651003 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.651003

Ann L. Owen (Contact Author)

Hamilton College - Economics Department ( email )

198 College Hill Road
Clinton, NY 13323
United States
315-859-4419 (Phone)
303-859-4477 (Fax)

Elizabeth Jensen

Hamilton College - Economics Department ( email )

198 College Hill Road
Clinton, NY 13323
United States

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