2014 Workshop: Teaching Economics with Excel
This workshop was held from June 13 - 14, 2014. The original description and schedule are below, after a few comments from participants and photos.
Participants
| Name | Institution |
| Gil Kim | CSU - Fresno |
| Ralph Lim | Sacred Heart |
| Jessica Johanningmeier | Cornell College |
| Leslie Dunn | Washington and Jefferson |
| Nelson Altamirano | National University |
| Andrea Civelli | University of Arkansas |
| William Rieber | Butler University |
| Catherine Alloway | Saginaw Valley State |
| L. Mark St. Clair | Saginaw Valley State |
| Ilir Miteza | University of Michigan--Dearborn |
| Nicholas Mangee | Armstrong Atlantic State |
Comments and Feedback Quoted from Evaluations
I have attended many reaching seminars, but I never like them because they usually are very abstract and focused on techniques to make students happier. This seminar is a concrete example of a strategy to keep the quality of the class high and, at the same time, overcome some of the difficulties that typically frustrate Econ students. Very good.
The FRED add-in was, simply put, eye-opening in its power.
Delivery was outstanding as the instructor possesses great passion for the material.
Topic selection was spot on! The workshop was at the right level for me, which is why I was able to get engaged and follow throughout. Coverage was ambitious enough to keep my interest and delivery was masterful and entertaining. Outstanding!
I learned so much!!! I enjoyed the entire sequence, especially the way Excel can act as a browser with FRED -- wow!!!
Solid and functional. If you offer another, I would attend. Your familarity and ease are obvious with a working knowledge that adjusted to all levels of questions.
Overall, topics and materials are great. Since I need to develop a new class on (business cycle), I was so excited to see FRED and Maddision data, along with growth models. I have learned a lot and also got some time to think about teaching methodology.
It is generous of you to share all the work that you have done. Thank you!
We could have spent an entire week on the topics. Of course, many cannot give up so much time, but it would be ideal. My favorite topics were FRED and Monte Carlo simulation. Very interesting!
I enjoyed the info on the Econ Chart add-in and the Excel tips since I support Excel on my campus. I am going to pass along the great Econ material as well.
I really liked the Solow Model materials and especially the demography tab you added. I also liked the FRED add-in, that will save me a lot of time doing my course prep!
Very fast. A lot of good stuff. I really liked the Keynes and ISLM Models. The different ways of doing comparative statics is super.
Photos
Workshop: Teaching Economics with Excel
June 12 - 14, 2014
DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana
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 in the classroom remain virtually unchanged, with chalk-and-talk the dominant mode of delivery. This workshop will demonstrate how to utilize computer-based, active learning techniques to teach economics with a special focus on Intermediate Macroeconomics.
On the first day, we will work intensively with several Excel add-ins that have wide application, from performing comparative statics analyses, running Monte Carlo simulations, and downloading data directly into Excel from the St. Louis Fed's FRED database. Excel implementations of the Solow and ISLM-ADAS models highlight the second day.
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, including flipping the classroom.
There is no fee to attend the workshop and all meals are provided by the generous support of the Elizabeth P. Allen Endowed Chair funds at DePauw University. Spartan dorm accommodations are provided free of charge or participants can make their own reservations and pay for more comfortable lodging at the Inn at DePauw. Participants are responsible for transportation costs. Space is limited.
Dates and Location
June 12 - 13, 2014 at DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana
Schedule
For more information on the Excel workbooks, please visit Teaching Macroeconomics with Excel.
Previous workshops:
Click on a date below to see a list of participants, comments, photos, and a description of that year's workshop: