Using MS Excel to bridge the maths gap in principles of macroeconomics
Workshop at DEE 2017,First year (Level 4) BSc Economics students arrive at the University of Portsmouth with mathematics skills ranging from GCSE grade 'C' to A level. Low engagement levels among students lacking a strong mathematics background are reflected in weaker Level 4 examination results. During 2016-17 a series of fortnightly workshops have been introduced alongside existing macroeconomics lectures and seminars, using Excel-based simulations designed to enhance mathematics skills through relevant applications. Workshops draw extensively on materials developed by Professor Humberto Barreto of DePauw University, Indiana. They are designed to support a conventional year-long principles of macroeconomics course, focusing on concepts that have already been addressed through lectures and seminars. Students work in small groups in a technology-enabled Business Simulation Suite. Real-world data applications are incorporated wherever possible. The conference session will introduce the context to the workshops and will give participants hands-on experience of working through a sample session. Initial findings from the 2016-17 workshops will be reviewed.
