1. Interactive Teaching Methods: applications in international economics and international finance domains Prof. O. Stoichkova Assoc. prof. V. Zhelyazkova Assoc. prof. Y. Kitanov

2. Topics for discussion Revisiting the Bloom’s taxonomy - problems when teaching international economics and finance 3 challenges and possible solutions to contemporary L&T in international economics and finance domain The role of interactive methods in reaching success: 3 examples of application in VUZF 2

3. Challenges: the Bloom’s Taxonomy Challenges for teaching international economics and finance 3

4. They should be sought in 3 aspects/areas: I.Managerial: building the curricula in the correct way with Intl Economics and Intl Finance to be positioned in the proper place (depends on L&T management) II.Content-oriented: structure the programs appropriately III.Methodological: application of a variety of L&T methods to ensure knowledge is built (depends on the lecturers) The hypothesis is that Interactive methods always provide value added, but they are especially needed in complicated disciplines such as Intl Economics and Intl Finance. Management needs to place special care in this respect and support efforts. Solutions to the challenges? 4

5. Bloom’s Taxonomy Application in Intl Economics and Finance Challenges: Lack of stable knowledge in fundamental disciplines such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, investments, fundamentals of finance Complex concepts having various interdisciplinary aspects Application of knowledge is specific Interactive teaching methods are strongly required to support the learning process 5

6. Interactive methods application Engaging the students so that they “climb” the pyramid by: weekly individual assignments that keep them engaged out of class work in groups at home on predefined topics and present them in class brain storming in class organized debates on topics announced in advance competitions case study writing gamification other? 6

7. Interactive methods Example 1: short educational videos in a lesson on the ECB Ask the students 3 questions whose answers could be found in an educational video, i.e. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1C5ECFEE8E907181 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1C5ECFEE8E907181 Watch the video in class Discuss with them the answers or ask each student to put them in writing on his own Feedback on the answers by the students Outcome: students’ ability to listen and remember info is trained, they learn a lot from a short video, since they need to answer, analysis is needed. 7

8. Example 2: debates based on a movie in the lesson on the financial crisis Ask the students to watch at home the movie: “Inside Job” and each student to prepare a short essay on a topic, provided by the lecturer. In order for the student to compose the essay, he needs to have contemplated on the movie, particular facts presented in it and particular personalities inside it. Or, alternatively, divide the students in small groups, assign each group to develop a presentation based on the movie, the topics however need to contradict each other, and to defend it in class. This provokes thinking and students end up having learned a lot more than following the passive stop of teaching. Outcome: critical thinking is triggered, ability to defend an opinion with facts as well! 8

9. Example 3: Case study writing in class for part-time students Each student is provided with individual instructions on paper on: the topic he has to develop what info needs to be included in the case where to find the needed info what kind of analysis he is expected to provide even (!) how he needs to format the assignment The case is developed in class using the library or any room with internet and computer The lecturers stays with them and assists them in case of enquiries Outcome: students not only learn info on the case, but prepare analysis and get used to formatting properly their assignments! They learn without even realising it. 9

10. Food for thought Info on research made at Harvard on new teaching methods: The HILT Initiative, more on: http://hilt.harvard.edu/The Interactive Teaching DVD, available at: http://www.mazur.harvard.edu/teachingdvd/dvd.html?PHPSE SSID=%3C?%20echo%20$PHPSESSID;%20?%3Ehttp://hilt.harvard.edu/ http://www.mazur.harvard.edu/teachingdvd/dvd.html?PHPSE SSID=%3C?%20echo%20$PHPSESSID;%20?%3E Twilight of the Lecture, available at: http://harvardmagazine.com/2012/03/twilight-of-the-lecture http://harvardmagazine.com/2012/03/twilight-of-the-lecture 10

11. Thank you! 11