Author:
Dorina Tila
Subject:
Economics
Material Type:
Homework/Assignment
Level:
Community College / Lower Division, College / Upper Division
Tags:
  • Open-pedagogy
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Text/HTML

    Education Standards

    Assignments in ECO 1200 that promote Open Pedagogy

    Overview

    These are some examples of assignments that can be used in a Macroeconomics course that aim at engaging students to curate content and have an active participation in the course material. 

    I. Intentional Group Curation of Information (open pedagogy example)

    1. Intentional Group Curation of Information

    Students are split into groups of 3-4 students and asked to discuss how relate the economic material to a personal example in their everyday life. They are asked to explain it using the economic terminology.  Then, one group representative would add one example in the shared google document where all students would share their example.

    1. Example on opportunity cost

    What is your opportunity cost of getting a college degree?

    What is your opportunity cost of getting a cup of coffee when there is a long wait?

    1. Example on GDP – market value

    When you go to the grocery, you purchased (2 lb tomatoes, 3 lb potatoes, 2 gallon of milk, one dozen of eggs, 2 loaf bread, 1 jam.). You paid $250. What do you respond to your friend when they asked you what did you purchase? (e.g., Do you list everything? Or I purchased $250 worth of groceries)?

    1. Example of GDP – How promoting domestic production affects GDP

    Define GDP using your own words. The government will be replacing its employees’ PC. If you were an economic advisor, would you advise for the government to purchase PCs manufactured in UK or US? Why?

    1. Example of CPI and inflation

    Select an item that you purchase today. Compare the price today with the past (pick your choice of the year) and discuss whether it is cheaper or more expensive, adjusted for inflation.

    II. Intentional Individual Curation of Information

    Using findings from prior conducted research and group discussions, students will present some economic indicators and the performance of the economy of a country of their choice.  For example, students are asked to identify the latest recession experienced by the selected country using the historical real GDP data collected and analyzed in stage two. Having identified the time of the recession, the student is asked to explain what happened to the other economic indicators, such as inflation rate and unemployment rate during that specific time.

    After selecting a country of your preference (excluding United States since we will be discussing this in class), you will present to the class its economic performance. Imagine that you are working as an economic advisor for the government.  The president has gathered its cabinet to discuss the economic performance of the country and its future policies.  As the economist of the team, you are asked to write a written report on its economic performance and expectations.  Critically evaluate its economic performance relying on the material and the concepts covered in our course.   

    III. Unintentional Group Curation of Information

    Run experiments (e.g., double auction, or option to give a fine). Collect the information and share it with students. Compare the results with the findings from the articles. I would consider this more of an “unintentional” curation of information.