Title
One size doesn’t fit all: A project designing small-scale economic development projects
Document Type
Article
Keywords
active learning; development economics; economic education; teaching economics
Identifier Data
https://doi.org/10.1080/00220485.2018.1551099
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Online
Publication Source
The Journal of Economic Education, 50(1)
Abstract
The authors describe an innovative active learning strategy for a course on the economics of developing countries—a project designing a small-scale economic development project. Student teams research issues faced by developing countries and identify a specific problem in a specific locale. Students then create a detailed, feasible plan to alleviate the problem. Student plans include five key components: justification, implementation, budget, funding and evaluation. After having implemented this project for six years, the authors believe it has the potential to enhance learning and improve analytical, creative problem-solving and research skills. Results from a spring 2017 survey, where students respond favorably to the project, are discussed.
