Monthly Archives: June 2013

In an Introduction to International Business course one of the biggest content based challenges is the task of covering Trade Theories in an coherent and accessible way.  Two suggestions come to mind:

1. Have the students view Matt Ridley’d TED.com video “When ideas have sex.”  I promise you they will watch it because the title will intrigue them and they will never see Ricardo the same way again – and neither will you!
2. Look at the chapter on trade theories in “International Business” by Ricky Griffin & Michael Pustay (Pearson).  This is a creative and sophisticated approach without requiring a complete understanding of economic theory.

As we prepare to teach a course we are often consumed by the challenge of how to transfer all the subject matter content to the students in a  mere 14 week semester.  No wonder we either struggle to be successful or at times fail completely.

The best way to approach the task is to start with the students.  What do they know already? Who are they and where are they going? What are their expectations?  How do they approach learning?

How they approach learning is a significant challenge since they are the product of at least 12 years of educational experience.  For a significant number of students this experience has not resulted in curiosity to understand and a love for learning.

As a strong proponent of reasoning that is theoretically sound and evidence based, several resources have been valuable in informing my approach to teaching.  One such recent addition is “How Learning Works.  7 Research-based Principles for Smart Teaching” by Ambrose, Bridges, DiPietro, Lovett & Norman.

I am using a “Pass It On” copy I received from the Center for Instructional Innovation at GSU – Thank You George and Harry!