PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Assenza, Dora
TI  - NEW EFFECTIVE METHODS OF TEACHING ECONOMICS: THE POWER OF PARABLES
DP  - 2009 Aug 1
TA  - e-Pedagogium
PG  - 7--19
VI  - 9
IP  - 4
IS  - 12137758
AB  - This article compares learning outcomes of two teaching methods in economics - the traditional way of teaching neoclassical economics through equations and diagrams, and a new experimental method, which relies on metaphorical parables. The experimental method avoids two core problems of the neoclassical approach: the overemphasis on mathematics and the reductionism in the basic assumptions underlying the neoclassical paradigm. The article contains a case study of a metaphorical parable, which was experimentally tested in the classroom. The experiment took place from 2008 until 2009 at the Pedagogical Faculty of Palacky University Olomouc, and showed two results: 1) using parables increased the interest of students in economic phenomena, and 2) led to a greater degree of active participation in the classroom.