Teaching and Learning Centers to enhance an economics student educational experience
Have you ever struggled to understand how different business models work or when to implement one over another? Or found yourself wishing for more practice material after tackling subjects like Accounting or Cost Management, to feel fully prepared for the next exam? Perhaps, in those moments, you dreamed of having a go-to place offering tools, resources, and hands-on learning support for business-related topics.
For situations like these – and many others – economics students could benefit greatly from a Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). Such a center could serve as a space where faculty and students find guidance and resources tailored to their educational needs. In a field as broad as economics, connecting theoretical knowledge to real-life practices can be challenging, therefore, insights from those students who are actually navigating these challenges in their study programme are invaluable for designing effective support systems.
What Economics Students Typically Struggle With
Understanding Theoretical Concepts
Economics often involves abstract theories that can be difficult to grasp at first. For instance, mastering supply and demand curves requires understanding of not only their graphical representations but also the assumptions and real-world implications behind them. Students may struggle to visualize how shifts occur due to various factors, making it challenging to fully comprehend these concepts in theory, let alone apply them practically.
Applying Theory to Real-World Situations
At universities of applied sciences, many subjects are already designed to bridge this gap. However, this isn’t necessarily the case for all of them. Students often find it hard to relate classroom learning to real-world scenarios, limiting their ability to tackle practical economic issues effectively. To also learn how to apply the theory for topics covered in those subjects, one could solve case studies, where they can come up with solutions based on their theoretical knowledge and innovative ideas, thus making the connection to the real-world issue.
Lack of Personalized Learning and Guidance
Large class sizes and standardized curricula can hinder personalized learning experiences. From my own experience, I found courses like Accounting or Cost Management, or very numbers-based subjects in general, can be particularly challenging for students new to these practices without tailored guidance. These subjects, can feel overwhelming without one-on-one support. Moreover, students may struggle to integrate their knowledge from multiple areas – like Management, Controlling, and Finance – into a wholistic understanding of a business.
So what can a TLC offer to improve the educational experience?
Specialized Workshops and Tutorials
Organize sessions on important but challenging topics with practical applications. For instance, workshops on how to handle and use AI can teach students to use it as a tool for improving assignments rather than avoiding them. Similarly, tutorials on some important business practices, like for example drafting annual financial statements step-by-step, would provide hands-on practice for complex tasks.
Furthermore, the workshops can also serve as a place for collaboration between faculty and students, where improvement suggestions e.g. for curricula can be discussed and solutions can be found and implemented together.
Access to Advanced Tools and Resources
Equip students with access to high-quality software and databases essential for market research and analysis or other topics related to their field of study. Access to real-time economic data and modeling tools but also access to business case studies, would help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Collaboration Opportunities among Students
Create a platform where students from different institutions and academic levels can connect. Sharing experiences, asking questions, and exchanging advice would create a sense of community and encourage mutual growth.
Personalized Mentorship and Learning Support
Offer one-on-one mentoring sessions with experienced lecturers to address specific academic challenges or career goals. Additionally, through AI-based learning tools that can provide personalized study plans tailored to each student’s needs, everyone can further develop themselves at their own pace.
These features would have been especially valuable to me during the early stages of my studies, when I was adapting to university life and understanding academic expectations. Key benefits include:
- Bridging the gap between theory and practice.
- Improving employability skills to help students stand out in the job market.
- Creating a holistic learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom settings by promoting collaboration and mutual support.
When implemented thoughtfully and inclusively, I am certain that these initiatives can significantly enhance each student’s academic journey and overall success.
Now it is your turn!
Reflect on your own experiences:
“What features would you value most in a Teaching and Learning Center tailored to your field of study? To whom can you address these thoughts and ideas? Are you ready to take action?”
Teaching and Learning Centers are the future
To create a future where students are more engaged and their potential is fully realized, they must play an active role in shaping their educational experience. In an era of digital transformation, we have unprecedented access to tools and resources – let’s use them wisely.
A Teaching and Learning Center should be a hub for growth and collaboration, where all interest groups contribute their strengths to support one another. Getting your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree doesn’t have to be only about going to the lectures, doing some assignments, and studying to remember everything in your short-term memory for the exam – it can be a whole personal experience in which you can let all of your potential come out.
Written By : Ioana Soroceanu
Institute : Student in the Bachelor’s Programme “International Management” at FH Joanneum,
