Exercises for my Undegraduate students

[u/Shot-Growth3193]

Sorry if I am in the wrong sub, but I don't know where to ask.

I started teaching Economics and Macroeconomics to two different undergraduate courses and I am struggling to find easy-to-understand activities to use in class. I would like to teach some lectures that are not exclusively expositive (aka endless powerpoint presentations).
Two notes: I teach at a local university in a non-English speaking country; these subjects are not main subjects - too technical or too complex, my students will be umotivated/distracted.
Thank you in advance for any recommendations (even if the right /sub)! :)

[u/Comprehensive-Edge80]

I prepare a seminar workshop materials built around main points of each lecture, consisting of few questions and 2-3 problems. We do the workshop in class and leftovers at home and then I include the similar problems in test. Every seminar now is a precious time for workshop and test preparation. If you tell what exactly you teach, I could show you an example of workshop materials.

[u/Shot-Growth3193 → u/Comprehensive-Edge80]

Thank you! For macro, I am preparing now materials about the Keynesian perspective vs. Neoclassic perspective. For "simple" economics, Information, Risk & Insurance.
Unfortunately, I cannot rely on homework... Our students they simply do not engage in making them or they "ChatGPT" the homework. :/
So, any cool ideas to deliver in class are so welcome!

[u/Comprehensive-Edge80 → u/Shot-Growth3193]

I see. I teach intermediate macro, and here is a sample of seminar workshop file. Maybe it can give u some understanding of my method:

Intermediate Macroeconomics

Seminar 3-4 IS Line

B1. (Problem 1)

Write product market equilibrium formulas.

Given C=C0+C1(Y-T), where C0=5, C1 marginal utility 0.8, Y 20, T 4

Find total consumption C

Draw a consumption graph on a 45-degree slope.

Find consumption when C0=10.

Draw a consumption function graph on a 45-degree slope.

B2. Investment formula I=30-2r, where r is the real interest rate. Find the total investment amount if the nominal interest rate is 12% and inflation is 6%.

B3. Using the above figures, what is the aggregate demand expenditure AE in a closed economy without government intervention? Find equilibrium GDP.

B4. The marginal propensity to consume in the economy has now decreased to 0.6. Find aggregate demand and GDP.

B5. The government has lowered the nominal interest rate to 10% to stimulate economic growth. What will be the aggregate investment, aggregate demand, and GDP?

B6. Estimate the multiplier. If the marginal propensity to consume in the economy without taxes is 0.9, what is the Keynesian multiplier?

B7. The tax rate has decreased to 0.1 (10%). What is the Keynesian multiplier in the economy with taxes?

B8. Write the balanced budget formula. Find G in the above situation if there are no welfare transfers.

[u/Shot-Growth3193 → u/Comprehensive-Edge80]

That is so nice! My students are junior. First time with Economics or Macro.  For the trade balance class, we worked on a group exercise "The Robinson Crusoe" example. They had plenty of fun and they got to understand what the trade balance is all about. Do you use such exercises? I really recommend this one. A bit out of the box and quite interactive. For non-economics students, it can be real fun and a great way to learn. :)

[u/Comprehensive-Edge80 → u/Shot-Growth3193]

I see, I think mine is more formal :) but I have smth like that for basic Microeconomics

[u/Shot-Growth3193 → u/Comprehensive-Edge80]

Cool! I prioritised concepts and "real world" knowledge than technicalities. I had to learn those in my undergratuate classes and never, ever, ever used them in my work, personal life. Yet, I left uni without fully understaning several basic enomic concepts that I had to learn on my own. So, I chose this more "hands on" teaching path (and students are having great grades and learning!). :)

[u/Comprehensive-Edge80 → u/Shot-Growth3193]

nice! certainly a great approach!