It’s a widely-held belief that many students need more comprehensive support systems to help them succeed and graduate from their educational programs. A new white paper argues that instead of doing more, we should simply be making things a lot easier for learners
That analysis comes from by ideas42, a nonprofit that applies behavioral science to social problems. Its new white paper is a review of two decades of research on behavioral science interventions – or nudges as they call them – in education to determine which interventions have been most effective.
The authors suggest that educators, policymakers, and others involved in educational programs can build better programs by reducing the cognitive burden on students and their families. “We find that the most effective nudges aren’t those that add new tools or messages – they simplify processes, reduce unnecessary steps, and make it easier for people to follow through on their goals.”
“Too often what holds students back isn’t a lack of ability or motivation – it’s the complexity of the education system,” says the white paper’s co-author Ben Castleman, associate professor at the University of Virginia.
“Our ‘subtract and reduce’ framework offers a new lens for educational design that can help institutions achieve better outcomes with only modest resource expenditures. It’s about reducing the burden we impose on students and families to achieve strong outcomes,” he adds.
Here are some of the conclusions from Subtracting for Success, A Review of Nudges to Improve Educational Outcomes in the United States:
- Subtraction works. Nudges that streamline tasks and remove cognitive burdens – like pre-filled financial aid applications or simplified school choice guides – consistently outperform more complex approaches.
- Beware of “additivity bias.” Many well-intentioned nudges introduce new tools or activities without reducing effort. These often fail to deliver impact because they increase the demands on already overloaded students and families.
- It’s not about doing more – it’s about making things easier. Even additive programs, such as coaching or texting campaigns, can be effective when they meaningfully reduce decision complexity and cognitive load.
“In the current economic climate, educational institutions need solutions that are both effective and efficient,” says Bridgette Gray, CEO of ideas42.
“Our analysis demonstrates that sometimes the most powerful interventions aren’t about adding more – they’re about removing barriers that prevent students from accessing resources that already exist. These behavioral approaches can significantly improve outcomes without requiring substantial new investments.”
You can read Subtracting for Success, A Review of Nudges to Improve Educational Outcomes in the United States here.
