Learning Activities in Practice at Coventry University Peri Yavash and Jean Mangan DEE Conference September 2007

1. Introduction Three types of learning activity developed as part of the FDTL5 project –Problem Focused Exercises –Reflective Exercises –Threshold Web Exercises Exercises were trialled at all four partner institutions

2. Exercised trialled on the first year Macroeconomics course at Coventry Should Home Production be protected to keep jobs? (PF3) The London Olympics – how will the economy be affected? (RE5) Are government budget deficits always bad? (TNE4) Monetary Policy – How is it decided? (PF5) How is the exchange rate affected by inflation? (TNE6)

3. Plan of the session Are government budget deficits always bad? Complete exercise and note expected student problems Feedback (from Coventry) and discussion 16.40How is the exchange rate affected by inflation? Complete exercise and note expected student problems Feedback (from Coventry) and discussion 16.55Closing comments on designing student exercises

4. Closing comments on the design of exercises Comments: Very useful to include a list of concepts to remind students The questions and scenario must be clearly stated and completely unambigious. Ensure that students are familiar with the terminology used in your exercise Consider whether students may get side-tracked/bogged down in unnecessary detail From todays session: