e-Pedagogium 2009, 9(4):7-19

NEW EFFECTIVE METHODS OF TEACHING ECONOMICS: THE POWER OF PARABLES

Dora Assenza
Ing. Dora Assenza, Ph.D., Katedra společenských věd, Pedagogická fakulta UP, Žižkovo nám. 5, 771 40 Olomouc, ČR, E-mail: dora.assenza@tiscali.cz

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.

Keywords: Neoclassical economics, rationality, hedonism, teaching methods, mathematics, financial crisis

Published: August 1, 2009  Show citation

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Assenza, D. (2009). NEW EFFECTIVE METHODS OF TEACHING ECONOMICS: THE POWER OF PARABLES. e-Pedagogium, 9(4), 7-19
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