Teaching and Educational Methods
Teaching by the Case Method to Enhance Graduate Students’ Understanding and Assessment of Wicked-Type Problems: An Application Involving the Bears Ears National Monument
Amanda J. Harker Steele(a) and John C. Bergstrom(b)
KeyLogic(a), University of Georgia(b)
JEL Codes: A20, A23, Q30, Q38
Keywords: Bears Ears National Monument, case method, economic valuation, quantitative and qualitative decision making, student learning, and wicked-type problems
Publish Date: September 15, 2021
volume 3, Issue 3
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Abstract
This paper presents the results of a teaching project designed to enhance graduate-level agricultural and applied economics students’ understanding of wicked-type problems, and the limitations of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) as an evaluation criterion for such problems. We employed the case method, a participatory, student-centered approach to teaching, wherein students work in groups to evaluate a case. The case used for this study focused on a wicked-type problem at the time that this study was being implemented, namely determining “What is the ‘socially optimal’ or preferred size of the Bears Ears National Monument?†The effectiveness of the case method in achieving expected student learning outcomes was assessed through the application of a sign test and a Wilcoxon signed rank test to students’ responses on a pre- and post-survey. Student learning outcomes were further assessed using the grades received by students on an individual and group assignment. Overall, results suggested the case method is an effective tool for advancing students’ understanding of wicked-type problems, but not necessarily for teaching students about the limitations of BCA as an evaluation criterion for such problems. It appeared students may have already been familiar with the limitations of BCA, prior to participating in the study.
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Teaching by the Case Method to Enhance Graduate Students’ Understanding and Assessment of Wicked-Type Problems: An Application Involving the Bears Ears National Monument
Amanda J. Harker Steele and John C. Bergstrom
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