Does pluralism in economics education make better educated, happier students? A qualitative analysis

Andrew Mearman (), Tim Wakeley, Gamila Shoib and Don Webber
Additional contact information
Andrew Mearman: Department of Economics, University of the West of England, UK
Tim Wakeley: Griffith University, Australia
Gamila Shoib: Griffith University, Australia

No 916, Working Papers from Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Bristol Business School, University of the West of England, Bristol

Abstract: This paper contributes to the debate on pluralism in the Economics curriculum. Here pluralism means a diversity of theoretical perspectives. One set of pedagogical arguments for pluralism are those found in ‘liberal’ philosophy of education. To this end, the first part of the paper presents arguments for pluralism based on ‘liberal’ pedagogical arguments. The paper also notes more instrumental arguments for pluralism; and barriers to such an approach. Finally, the paper considers new primary evidence from focus groups on student perceptions of economics. This evidence shows support for the arguments that a pluralist curriculum is popular and develops cognitive capacities of criticism, comparison and analysis – exactly those argued for in (liberal) pedagogical discussion – as well as judgement, understanding and writing skills. However, pluralism as a teaching strategy may be more difficult for those delivering it.

Keywords: Students; pedagogy, pluralism, perceptions, focus groups (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A22 B4 B5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 24 pages
Date: 2009-08
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-edu, nep-hap, nep-hpe and nep-pke
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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http://carecon.org.uk/DPs/0916.pdf First version, 2009 (application/pdf)

Related works:
Journal Article: Does Pluralism in Economics Education Make Better Educated, Happier Students? A Qualitative Analysis (2011)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:uwe:wpaper:0916

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