Workshop: Teaching Economics with Excel
DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana
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2013 Workshop
June 12 - 14, 2013
Description
While the content of the typical undergraduate economics course has remained stable in recent decades, computers have become more powerful, easier to use, and as common as pencil and paper. In spite of these developments, teaching methods remain virtually unchanged, with chalk-and-talk the dominant mode of delivery. This 3-day workshop will demonstrate how to utilize computer-based, active learning techniques to teach economics and econometrics. By providing real, concrete examples with clear visual feedback, students learn much more and acquire sophisticated computer skills.
Each day will be devoted to a particular course: Intermediate Micro on the first day, then Econometrics and, finally, Intermediate Macroeconomics. Participants will learn sophisticated applications of Excel, using macro-enhanced workbooks and a variety of add-ins. Workshop sessions will be held in a computer lab in DePauw’s Julian Science Center. An entire course can be transformed or portions of it can be upgraded by occasional use of Excel-based content as examples or homework assignments. This professional development will enable participants to create new course materials and content. Individual lectures, lab components, or entire courses can be reworked and enhanced. Participants will receive complete sets of Excel workbooks and add-ins for the three courses.
Dr. Barreto is interested in using computers (especially Microsoft Excel) to improve the teaching and learning of economics. He is the Elizabeth P. Allen Distinguished University Professor at DePauw University and author, with Frank M. Howland, of Introductory Econometrics using Monte Carlo Simulation with Microsoft Excel (Cambridge University Press, 2006) and Intermediate Microeconomics with Microsoft Excel (Cambridge University Press, 2009).He has been a Fulbright Scholar, won several teaching awards, and has presented the materials used in this workshop at many colleges and universities around the world. His current project is Teaching Macro with Excel.
There is no fee to attend the workshop and all meals are provided by the generous support of the Elizabeth P. Allen funds at DePauw University. Participants are responsible for lodging and transportation costs. Space is limited.
Schedule
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
12-Jun-2013 |
13-Jun-2013 |
14-Jun-2013 |
|
Microeconomics |
Econometrics |
Macroeconomics |
|
| 9:00 AM | Optimization Solver |
Simulation MC Sim |
Data Econ Chart and FRED |
| 10:15 AM | Break |
Break |
Break |
| 10:30 AM | Comparative Statics CS Wiz |
Regression Six Ways |
Economic Growth Maddison Data |
| NOON | Lunch |
Lunch |
Lunch |
1:00 PM |
Consumer, Firm, S & D, and GE |
Gauss-Markov via Simulation |
Solow Model via Simulation |
| 2:15 PM | Break |
Break |
Break |
| 2:30 PM | Working through a Chapter |
Unequal Probability of Selection |
ISLM - ADAS Model |
| 4:00 PM | Open Exploration |
Open Exploration |
Open Exploration |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner |
Dinner |
Closing Dinner |
Express Interest and Apply
Email hbarreto@depauw.edu if you have questions or would like further information. Participants will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. You may wish to skip the last day if you are not interested in macroeconomics, although the two morning sessions can be easily incorporated into a wide variety of courses. Please let me know your plans when you contact me.