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Scholar spotlights! A curricular intervention to enhance students’ perceptions of relevance and belonging in principles of macroeconomics

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  • Murray, James M.

Abstract

This paper describes a curriculum and pedagogy to use throughout introductory macroeconomics designed to enhance students' perceptions of course relevance and sense of belonging in economics classes, with a particular focus on enhancing these experiences for women, students of color, and first-generation students, populations of students that are underrepresented in the economics discipline. I propose curriculum that highlights current scholars applying class content to timely social and economic issues that directly apply to standard principles of economics content. With survey evidence gathered from my students at the end of the semester, I found that large proportions of all demographic subgroups felt a strong sense of belonging and found the content relevant.

Suggested Citation

  • Murray, James M., 2025. "Scholar spotlights! A curricular intervention to enhance students’ perceptions of relevance and belonging in principles of macroeconomics," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 50(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ireced:v:50:y:2025:i:c:s1477388025000210
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iree.2025.100329
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    JEL classification:

    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate
    • A31 - General Economics and Teaching - - Multisubject Collective Works - - - Multisubject Collected Writings of Individuals

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