Toward bridging the gap between theory and empirical reality

• Published in: The South African Journal of economics Vol. 76; no. 4; pp. 738 - 748
• Main Author: Saunders, Stephen Graham
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Blackwell Publishing Inc 01.12.2008; Economic Society of South Africa; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Series: South African Journal of Economics
• Subjects: A22; College students; Curricula; Curriculum; Economic theory; economics teaching; Empirical research; Pedagogy; Perceptions; Philosophy; philosophy of economics; Practice; Social perception; Student behaviour; Studies; Studium; Surveys; Teaching; Wirtschaft; Wirtschaftspädagogik

Introductory (i.e. first year) undergraduate learners often perceive economics to be remote from reality and overly theoretical, leading to a lack of motivation and enthusiasm to study economics. A general survey of curriculum practice reveals that lecture materials and the pedagogic approach to tea...