Learning and Teaching in Economics and International Business @ Aston University

Learning and Teaching in Economics and International Business @ Aston University
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Within the Economics and International Business department at Aston University, many of our academics have a strong interest in teaching and learning. We therefore created this podcast with an aim to share insight, innovations, and best practice among the department, as well to a wider audience. The podcast is led by Dr Karishma Patel, a Teaching Fellow in Economics at Aston University. In each episode, we invite members of the department to have a conversation about a topic which they are interested in. We also invite guest speakers to share their insights with us.

  1. 13H AGO

    Problem-based learning with Dr Yaprak Tavman and Dr Tim Burnett

    In this episode, Dr Karishma Patel (Aston University) speaks with Dr Yaprak Tavman (University of York) about her experience developing a problem-based learning module in economics in partnership with students. Problem based learning is a student-centred approach in which students can work on authentic real-world problems through group workand self-directed learning. Dr Tim Burnett (Aston University) also joins the conversation to share his thoughts on problem-based learning.

    43 min

  2. APR 16

    Reflections from the Aston Learning and Teaching Festival 2025 - Part 2

    In this second part of a two-part special, Karishma Patel (Teaching Fellow in Economics, Aston University) reflects on the recent Aston University Learning and Teaching Festival, held on campus on 1st April 2025. The festival brought together staff and students to share ideas, explore innovative practice, and discuss some of the key challenges in higher education today. In this episode, the focus is on the themes of Belonging and Community, and Student Partnership and Co-Creation. We hear from those who chaired some of these sessions: Sunday Blake (Policy Manager, GuildHE), Gareth Woods (Associate Dean Education and Student Experience,College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University), and Stephen Rooney (Learning Development Adviser, Library and Learning Services, Aston University). We also hear from a brilliant group of Aston Students’ Unioncommittee members: Taher Gadiwala (Vice President Communities), Sayeed Farooq (Vice President Student Activities), Karina Jutlla (Vice President Welfare), Juan Carlos Garcia Belza (President), and Afia Amanoullah (Vice PresidentEducation). This episode explores what meaningful student partnership can look like in practice, how small actions can make a big difference to students’ sense of belonging, and the importance of seeing the academic and wider student experiences as one.

    54 min

  3. APR 16

    Reflections from the Aston Learning and Teaching Festival 2025 - Part 1

    In this first of a two-part special, Karishma Patel (Teaching Fellow in Economics, Aston University) reflects on the recent Aston University Learning and Teaching Festival, held oncampus on 1st April 2025. The festival brought together staff and students to share ideas, explore innovative practice, and discuss some of the key challenges in higher education today. In this episode, the focus is on the themes of Digital and AI in Learning and Teaching, and Assessment and Feedback. We hear from keynote speakers Francis Goodburn (Founding Headteacher, Aston University Mathematics School) and Professor Naomi Winstone (Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Surrey). We also hear from two of Aston’s Associate Deans for Education and Student Experience, Paul Jones (College of Business and Social Sciences) and Saira Hussain (School of Optometry). Finally, we hear some reflections from Robbie Love (Senior Lecturer in Communication and Culture, Aston University). The episode explores a range of insights from the evolving role of the lecturer in an AI-driven world to how we can enhance student engagement with feedback. Join Karishma as she reflects on all the great discussions that happened across the day.

    1 hr

  4. APR 11

    Bringing Concepts to Life: Analogy-Based Cartoons in Teaching – with Erkan Demirbas and colleagues from the University of Lincoln

    In this episode, Karishma Patel (Aston University) invites Erkan Demirbas, Davina Bird, Jane Charlesworth, and Abdul Haque from the University of Lincoln to share insights into their project, which focuses on creating analogy-based cartoons to enhance teaching in economics, statistics,and finance. James Burlison, a student at the University of Lincoln, also joins the discussion to share his views on the innovation. They talk about how they came up with the ideas for the cartoons, how students were involved in the creative process, and how they have been using these cartoons in their teaching.

    27 min

  5. FEB 21

    A Negotiation Game to Embed Sustainability into the Curriculum – with Dr Alexandra Arntsen

    In this episode, Dr Karishma Patel from Aston University speaks with Dr Alexandra Arntsen (Nottingham Business School) about her innovative approach to embedding sustainability into the curriculum. Alex talks us through her use of a negotiation role-playing game that she has used to engage students from various disciplines in discussions around climate change. She shares her thoughts on the importance of embedding sustainability into our teaching, as well as insights into the how the game works, student reactions and practical ideas for bringing it into your own teaching.

    28 min

  6. 12/04/2024

    Using Social Networks to Enhance Student Engagement with Dr Sofia Izquierdo Sanchez and Dr William Tayler

    In this episode, Dr Karishma Patel from Aston University is joined by Dr Sofia Izquierdo Sanchez (University of Manchester) and Dr William Tayler (Lancaster University) to discuss their innovative use of Instagram in economics education. Together, they made the account dailylifeecon, where they create content designed to complement their teaching by connecting economic concepts to everyday life. They share insights from their research that finds a positive link between student engagement with the account and various student outcomes. They also share lots of practical advice and inspiration for educators interested in exploring similar initiatives.

    35 min

  7. 11/07/2024

    Placements Unpacked: Application Tips, University Support & Life on Placement

    Join us for an engaging live recording of the Learning and Teaching in Economics podcast, hosted by Dr Karishma Patel, a Teaching Fellow at Aston University. This episode covers all you need to know about placements for Aston's economics students! Second-year BSc Economics student Alex Taylor, currently applying for placements, leads the discussion and poses questions to our panel, including Placement Preparation Manager Andrew Hollings. We also have live call-ins from two Aston students currently on placement: Jemima Maluta, a BSc Economics student at HSBC, and Ngoza Chama, a BSc International Business and Economics student at The Walt Disney Company. They discuss their journey through the application process, the learning curve, and the exciting opportunities their placement years have offered. Whether you're actively applying or just curious about placements at Aston, this episode is packed with insights and advice to guide you! Watch the video version on Youtube here: https://shorturl.at/mj6G7

    51 min

  8. 10/29/2024

    Boosting Student Engagement Through Extra-Curricular Activities - A Design Thinking Approach

    In this episode, Dr. Karishma Patel from Aston University welcomes three colleagues from Newcastle University Business School: Joanne Parker (Lecturer in Accounting), Dr. Ana Bogdanovic (Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Director of Education), and Dr. Yulia Dzenkovska (Lecturer in Marketing). Together, they share their experience of using the design thinking framework to enhance student engagement through extracurricular activities. They also provide lots of practical tips on how to use this framework for other projects.

    35 min
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About

Within the Economics and International Business department at Aston University, many of our academics have a strong interest in teaching and learning. We therefore created this podcast with an aim to share insight, innovations, and best practice among the department, as well to a wider audience. The podcast is led by Dr Karishma Patel, a Teaching Fellow in Economics at Aston University. In each episode, we invite members of the department to have a conversation about a topic which they are interested in. We also invite guest speakers to share their insights with us.

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