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Big Think: A Model for Critical Inquiry in Economics Courses

Author

Listed:
  • Robert Garnett

    (Department of Economics, Texas Christian University)

  • KimMarie McGoldrick

    (Department of Economics, University of Richmond)

Abstract

This paper outlines a concrete strategy for addressing the critical inquiry gap in undergraduate economics education, building on the work of Colander and McGoldrick, who argue that economics students currently do not receive sufficient exposure to ‘big think’ questions: ill-structured questions that invite students and instructors to interrogate arguments, evaluate assumptions, and discover serendipitous connections across courses and disciplines (2009b: 5-6). Our goal is to operationalize the Colander/McGoldrick proposal: to use learning theory to develop two ‘big think’ units to supplement existing course materials. Each unit is designed to enhance learning by increasing students’ ability to (1) apply economic principles to practical situations, (2) integrate knowledge over time and subjects, and (3) employ higher order skills of analysis and synthesis. These sub-goals support the overarching aim of liberal education: “to qualify students to make informed decisions about their lives and communities long after their college experience” (Siegfried et al. 1991: 202) and to prepare them for lifelong learning and intelligent participation “in a messy, puzzling, and complicated world, in which there is absolutely no substitute for one’s own active searching” (Nussbaum 1997: 35).

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Garnett & KimMarie McGoldrick, 2011. "Big Think: A Model for Critical Inquiry in Economics Courses," Working Papers 201101, Texas Christian University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:tcu:wpaper:201101
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    File URL: http://www.econ.tcu.edu/RePEc/tcu/wpaper/wp11-01.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. A. Arrighetti & A. Lasagni, 2018. "Insegnare Economia Industriale ‘in a digital age’," Economics Department Working Papers 2018-EP06, Department of Economics, Parma University (Italy).
    2. Geoffrey Schneider, 2011. "The Purpose, Structure and Content of the Principles of Economics Course," Chapters, in: Gail M. Hoyt & KimMarie McGoldrick (ed.), International Handbook on Teaching and Learning Economics, chapter 27, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Kathryn L. Combs & Monica E. Hartmann & Joseph L. Kreitzer, 2023. "An International Exercise to Increase Awareness of How Market, Political, and Cultural Institutions Affect Economic Activity," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 49(1), pages 54-77, January.
    4. Dubas, Justin M. & Toledo, Santiago A., 2016. "Taking higher order thinking seriously: Using Marzano’s taxonomy in the economics classroom," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 12-20.
    5. KimMarie McGoldrick & Andrea L. Ziegert, 2011. "Let Experience be the Guide: Experiential Education in Economics," Chapters, in: Gail M. Hoyt & KimMarie McGoldrick (ed.), International Handbook on Teaching and Learning Economics, chapter 6, Edward Elgar Publishing.

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