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The use of social networks to improve student engagement and implement a research-led curriculum

Author

Listed:
  • Sofia Izquierdo Sanchez
  • William Tayler

Abstract

Integrating research and teaching in higher education is a challenging yet important issue. Whilst evidence suggests that research quality in economics often correlates negatively with student satisfaction, incorporating research into the curriculum generally enhances student motivation and grades. We implemented an Instagram account as a supplementary resource across 4 courses in 2 universities. The account aimed to (1) introduce research-led teaching activities, (2) boost engagement, and (3) connect teaching to students’ real lives. Our findings reveal a positive link between student interaction with the account and improved percentile ranks, higher final grades, and successful course completion. This effect was notably stronger among students with specific learning difficulties.

Suggested Citation

  • Sofia Izquierdo Sanchez & William Tayler, 2025. "The use of social networks to improve student engagement and implement a research-led curriculum," Working Papers 421808972, Lancaster University Management School, Economics Department.
    • Handle: RePEc:lan:wpaper:421808972
    as

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    File URL: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/content-assets/documents/lums/economics/working-papers/LancasterWP2025_001.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lucy Chipchase & Megan Davidson & Felicity Blackstock & Ros Bye & Peter Colthier & Nerida Krupp & Wendy Dickson & Deborah Turner & Mark Williams, 2017. "Conceptualising and Measuring Student Disengagement in Higher Education: A Synthesis of the Literature," International Journal of Higher Education, Sciedu Press, vol. 6(2), pages 1-31, April.
    2. George A. Akerlof, 1970. "The Market for "Lemons": Quality Uncertainty and the Market Mechanism," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 84(3), pages 488-500.
    3. Abdullah Al-Bahrani & Darshak Patel, 2015. "Incorporating Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook in Economics Classrooms," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(1), pages 56-67, March.
    4. Maureen Haaker & Bethany Morgan-Brett, 2017. "Developing Research-Led Teaching: Two Cases of Practical Data Reuse in the Classroom," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(2), pages 21582440177, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social networks; education; engagement; research-led teaching;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • A2 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics

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