Group-Based Learning as a Fundamental Component of Economics Taught at Stage 1 Level - Essay Example

GROUP BASED LEARNING SHOULD BE A FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENT OF ECONOMICS TAUGHT AT STAGE 1 LEVEL Table of Contents Introduction 3 Group Based Learning: A Fundamental Component of Economics Taught at Stage 1 Level 4 Conclusion 6 References 6 Introduction The subject of Economics is all about the concepts and theories that are relevant to the daily routine of people. Understanding this course means to collect the information, to comprehend that information, to build the conceptual models and finally to evaluate and analyze them[Zie00]. On the stage 1, when the basic concepts are being taught to the students, there are a lot of challenges that are faced by the students and teachers as well. The challenges that are encountered by the students are the in-context vocabulary, graphs, assumptions, formulas, statistical analysis, etc. The major challenges that are confronted by the lecturers are their ability to understand and to transfer the complicated nature of the subject Economics to the students. It has been seen in recent years that the number of students enrolling in the Economics courses has been falling down and the problem of teaching Economics is becoming significant. There is a need of proper knowledge to the Economists, who is teaching this subject, especially to the students, who are at the beginner level of learning Economics. This course heavily depends upon the way of delivering it to the students [Sim99]. Chalk and Talk method of teaching the students is the most common way of imparting the knowledge of Economics [Bec01]. According to Johnston (2001) the students at the early stage of the university are not satisfied with the basic learning, they have taught. This means that the change in the teaching methods can bring an inclination in the enrollment and understanding of the Economics subject. Group Based Learning: A Fundamental Component of Economics Taught at Stage 1 Level The useful methods to make the students learn this course are collaborative and active learning. With the help of these methods, the students can perform well in the class and can get a positive attitude towards learning. Web based active learning is a way to learn by making use of information and communications technology (ICT). There are several books that have provided various alternative methods of teaching Economics to the undergraduates, e.g. spreadsheet applications, cooperative learning, classroom experiments, a group based learning and active learning [Por95]. According to Greenlaw (1999), the internet is becoming a useful tool in discussing the course and its contents among the lecturers and students. Groupware, a network based software, is a type of active learning and it is widely being used to make ease the group activities. Another approach to instruct Economics is Collaborative learning in which the problem solving technique is applied to understand the concepts more clearly [Joh011]. Computer Mediated Communication is a type of Collaborative Learning in which groups are made for the purpose of communication. The construction of the groups can aid the students to learn collaboratively even if they are living distant away from each other [Sta07]. Cooperative learning is another learning technique that is effective at the time of learning Economics. In this technique, small groups are formed in which students work together [Mai94]. Generative teaching, a type of cooperative learning, is useful for understanding Economics, in which generative teaching procedures are utilized [Kou92]. The collaborative learning, active learning and cooperative learning are the types of group based learning. Group based learning is a technique in which student work together in a group to carry on a project or a task. With the help of this group interpersonal skills and discussion skills are formed among the students. There are several ways in which group based learning can be performed, some of them are group projects, class discussions, reciprocal teaching, buzz sessions, seminars, self-help groups, peer tutoring and cognitive apprenticeship[Kir09]. There are times when at least one student understands something and the others did not. In this case group work is beneficial for both type of students, the others will learn that topic and the already learned student(s) will clear his/her ideas more on that topic[Stu15]. Mathematics is the major part that is included in Economics. Initially, it is difficult for the students to deal with it. However, E-Learning in this regard is very helpful and the practical examples of the subject can reduce the inabilities of the students to have a grip on this subject [Rio13]. There are numerous advantages of group learning. A bigger level of understanding can be achieved through this learning. The topics or concepts are more elaborated in group work. The high achievers can play a role model for other group members. Sophisticated thinking is promoted by the discussion of the topics that are controversial. Hence, group based learning is motivating for all the students to enhance their skills and understanding[Dem05]. There are some disadvantages of group based learning. The high achievers are forced to study at a slower pace. The weak students are dependent on the other students to make them learn. The reward for both types of students in a same group is equal[Tea15]. Economics is a subject that needs to be understood at the stage 1 level. The course gets tougher in the subsequent levels. If the student cannot grasp the concepts at the beginner level, he/she would not be able to have better learning in this course. Therefore, group based learning is one of the key methods that ensure better understanding of the knowledge and concepts of Economics. Conclusion Group based learning is a method to learn and understand the concepts by working in a group. Economics is a difficult subject and students are always recommended to clear their concepts side by side. For this purpose, group based learning can be beneficial for those students who are incapable to understand and acquire the depth of the knowledge. Although there are some disadvantages of group learning, but advantages weigh more. Therefore, it helps the weak students to understand the knowledge and the high achievers to refine their understanding. References Zie00: , (Ziegert, 2000), Sim99: , (Simkins, 1999), Bec01: , (Becker & Watts, 2001), Por95: , (Porter & Riley, 1995), Joh011: , (Johnston, et al., 2001), Sta07: , (Stacey, 2007), Mai94: , (Maier & Keenan, 1994), Kou92: , (Kourilsky & Wittrock, 1992), Kir09: , (Kirschner, et al., 2009), Stu15: , (Studying-Economics, 2015), Rio13: , (Rios, et al., 2013), Dem05: , (Demange & Wooders, 2005), Tea15: , (Teaching-Treasures, 2015), Read More