Creative collaborative learning for macroeconomics: C-span video clips in MBA classroom

Abstract

Creative collaborative learning (CCL) is attempted in a classroom environment for studying macroeconomics for a global economy where the frontier of models and theories are often shaped by decision makers in global and national institutions. The methodology is suitable for student-centered learning MBA students who must put themselves through realistic situations, asking right questions and making decisions. Traditional top-down methodology of emphasizing model building and mathematical proofs in studying macroeconomics are not suitable at the MBA level. The proposed CCL model in this study entails the joint efforts of three groups of players—the professionals, the students and the instructor. Constructive knowledge is acquired not by drill and memorization of definitions, but by learning from the contexts in which terminologies are pragmatically applied, utilizing critical thinking. Students in an MBA class were asked to form country-focus teams, identifying country macroeconomic indicators as well as specific issues affecting infrastructure and performance of a country. Specific video clips were searched and reviewed in C-span video library. This search and review exercise were analyzed by evaluating their effectiveness in motivating interests, learning of abstract terminologies, professional manner and articulation method, and recognizing the role of important institutions through the speaking professionals. Our research shows that if students hear a terminology from a professional in a particular field, they connect the term with an experience of listening to the person and also with a face of the person and with the institution where he/she is affiliated with. An abstract concept becomes easier, more pragmatic, and more fun to learn beyond memorization. On that dimension, the researchers’ classroom experiment achieved good success. However, CCL demands evaluations for “in-the-moment†expressions and quotations that can “elevate thinking†in a student-centered learning environment. CCL is effective for some clips but not generally. Our research also looks into how design of learning activities can better achieve CCL.

Keywords: Creative Collaborative Learning, C-Span Video Clips, MBA Macroeconomics