It seems that JK Rowling's "boy wizard" has finally cast his spell on science, for a new study has suggested that Harry Potter-style magic lessons should be taught in schools to boost the confidence of children.
Researchers, led by Richard Wiseman of Hertfordshire University, have found that even an hour's lesson at a magic school could help children become not only more confident but also motivated and socially adept.
"Learning magic requires self-discipline, an understanding of how other people think and an ability to entertain. Also, unlike playing computer games, it encourages children to interact with their friends and family.
"Because of this, we thought it might be a unique and effective way of developing an important set of psychological skills," Wiseman said.
Prof Wiseman and his team came to the conclusion after testing the effects of a magic lessons on 60 students, aged 10 and 12 from two schools in Hertfordshire, British newspaper the 'Daily Mail' reported.
Half the students spent an hour in a 'magic school', learning how to do two simple tricks -- restoring a rope that has been cut in half and reading someone's mind by correctly naming a card chosen from a pack at random.