The Ifo Working Papers, initiated in 2005, contain discussion contributions, mostly in English, from the current research of the Ifo Institute and the Center for Economic Studies. They present research results for suggestions and further revisions before they are submitted to refereed journals.
All submissions are subject to the approval of the Review Board. (Guide for authors, PDF | Sample first page, PDF) The working papers are available as PDF files.
Preschool Education and Later Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills: German and International Evidence – We present international and German evidence on the association between preschool education and later cognitive and non-cognitive skills based on data from TIMSS, PISA, PIRLS, and the DJI Children Longitudinal Study. The results show that attending preschool institutions is mostly positively associated with later cognitive and social outcomes. The international evidence on cognitive skills indicates a particular relevance for equality of opportunity, as well as the importance of aspects of quality and competition in preschool systems. German results suggest the relevance of competence levels achieved before school, whereas evidence on the effects of German Kindergarten attendance is ambiguous. Additional German evidence shows a positive effect of a younger preschool entrance age on children’s assertiveness and ability to form friendships.
JEL Code: I20, J13, J24.
Keywords: ifo working paper, Frühkindliche Bildung, Kindergarten, kognitive Fähigkeiten, nicht-kognitive Fähigkeiten, internationaler Vergleich, TIMSS, PISA
Download: PDF, 450 KB
Introduction to Ifo Working Paper Series
Recent number
Ifo Working Papers 2010 | 2009 | 2008 2007 | 2006 | 2005
Guide for authors (PDF) Sample first page (PDF)
