We’ve lined up two Economics Education Seminars to kick-start the new year. Please use the Google Forms linked if you would like to attend either.
When/Where: Thursday, 31st October, 2-3pm at Cruciform Building B1.03
Speaker: Prof. Scott Cunningham (Baylor University)
Title: “Teaching causal inference – design and curriculum”
Register: https://forms.gle/kSGU4ML3Ysh8uwKN6
Abstract: In 2012, Cunningham sought to create a class on causal inference and research design aimed at the upper level undergraduate student set. At the time, there was no such class in general, let alone aimed at the upper level undergraduates, but in recent years, such courses have become common – though they are still uncommon among undergraduates. This course will lay out the details of my course, why I think this course is important, how to best teach it (in his opinion) to undergraduates, and the types of responses to it that he has experienced.
Scott Cunningham is a Professor of Economics at Baylor University in Waco, Texas USA. He graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1999 with a BA in English and the University of Georgia in 2007 with a PhD in Economics. His research agenda has spanned the field of crime and risky behaviors, with specific projects on methamphetamine policy, sex work, violence against women, and crime in general. He has published broadly within economics in journals such as Review of Economic Studies, Journal of Urban Economics, Journal of Human Resources and Journal of Public Economics. He is also Associate Editor of Research Impact for the Journal of Human Resources. He is mostly known for his work on the economics of sex work. He is currently writing a book for Yale University Press on causal inference and research designs within the quantitative social sciences.
When/Where: Wednesday, 20th November, 1-2pm at Drayton House Rm 321
Speaker: Prof. Abdullah Al-Bahrani
Title: “Increasing Students’ Interest Through Experiential Learning”
Register: https://forms.gle/YhCp1JYayk9sVsGk7
Abstract: In this workshop, Dr Al-Bahrani will introduce two successful programs established at the Northern Kentucky University Center for Economic Education. The programs were developed to increase student interest in Economics and connect students with stakeholders outside of the department. The presentation will detail how Econ Beats and The Econ Games were developed, provide educator resources and rubrics, and examples of student projects and outcomes. The presentation ends with identifying opportunities to collaborate across educational institutions and disciplines.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Bahrani is the Director of the Center for Economic Education and an Associate Professor of Economics at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). His research expertise is in financial market, financial education, and the impact of financial literacy on economic outcomes. As director of the Center for Economic Education he has developed an educator micro-credential to help prepare K-12 educators to teach economics and financial literacy. He is committed to increasing access and quality of economics and financial literacy education through providing programs, and educator training. He is also committed to increasing the understanding of financial literacy implications through research. Dr Al-Bahrani works closely with local and national policymakers, he was recently selected by Kentucky Treasurer Allison Ball to serve on the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission. Dr. Al-Bahrani is an advocate for efforts to increase diversity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education.
Centre for Teaching and Learning Economics 