I organized a "research experience for undergraduates" session at the SEA meetings this year. I was inspired to include some sort of research activity in any and all classes I teach. No problem, right? Problem: my sophomore level introduction to environmental and resource economics course has 88 students. I had to figure out how to implement a research project in a large classroom. I presented the following assignment in class today (Download ECO 2620 Research Project). It involves data collection (n=5), some analysis (comparison of means and linear interpolation) and writing (a 200 word abstract). I think it is do-able in classes larger than 88 with some GA help for grading. Comments and suggestions are appreciated!

Eco2620project

 

Posted in ,
  1. Shana McD Avatar

    I think this is a great idea! I often struggle with research projects in large classes. For moderate sized class (about 35-50 students) I have them do a 2-page policy memo instead of a full research paper. I think your abstract idea is a great way to get large classes involved with research.

  2. John Whitehead Avatar

    My epiphany was to have them write an abstract! It is short, surprisingly not easy and a very useful exercise. I’m so dang proud of myself.

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Environmental Economics

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading