91制片厂

Economic concepts can be hard for students to grasp. For Robert Mohr, an associate professor of economics, this challenge provides an opportunity to apply economic theory to real-world problems and excite students about a new discipline.

鈥淗e is constantly experimenting with new approaches, whether that be with electronic learning platforms, classroom clickers听or collaborative sessions designed to support the delivery of classroom material," says听Neil Niman, Mohr鈥檚 former department chair and current associate dean of academic programs for Paul College.

This continuous improvement approach to teaching lead to Mohr being named the recipient of this year鈥檚 Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics Excellence in Teaching award.

鈥淚t felt really good to be recognized,鈥� says听Mohr, who was nominated for the award by his colleague and professor of economics, Karen Conway.

鈥淚 try to remind myself that this subject matter is easy once you get it, but hard until you do.鈥�

鈥淩obert is particularly adept at simplifying complex ideas and showing students how economics can contribute to the development of a better understanding of the world in which they live,鈥� says听Niman.

鈥淚 try to remind myself that this subject matter is easy once you get it, but hard until you do,鈥� says听Mohr.

He aims to showcase classroom content in a context that is easy for his students to understand, often using in-class exercises so his students can see an economic concept in action. And he rewards them when they get it right 鈥斕齅ohr is known to high-five his students when he sees them successfully understanding these concepts.

During his time at the 91制片厂, Mohr has developed two innovative classes for economics students. The first, called The Economics of Climate Change,听takes the听complex modern problem of听climate change听and shows how the economics tools that students have previously learned can be applied to develop effective policy solutions.

鈥淚t shows them that economics isn鈥檛 just graphs, numbers and formulas,鈥� says听Mohr. 鈥淵ou can apply what you鈥檝e learned to a real problem.鈥�

Mohr took a similar problem-based learning approach to designing his senior capstone course for economics majors. In the course, students integrate what they鈥檝e learned during their time as economics majors and apply economics techniques to current public policy issues. The issues can range from the economics of healthcare and education to immigration and the budget deficit. The class culminates with each student creating a research poster on their chosen public policy topic that they present听at the university鈥檚 Undergraduate Research Conference.听听

While Mohr greatly enjoys teaching these two upper-level classes, his favorite part about teaching might actually involve underclassmen.

鈥淚 like interacting with my students,鈥� he says. 鈥淧articularly freshmen, because I can open their eyes to a new discipline and make a case that it really matters.鈥�