THE ECONOMIC MAJOR: WHO OFFERS IT AND WHAT IS REQUIRED OF STUDENTS?

This paper econometrically investigates what variables impact the probability a college/university offers an undergraduate major in economics, multiple tracks within the major, or economics minor. Data is collected from four-year, comprehensive institutions, with control variables accounting for whether the school is public, year founded, enrollment, if the school offers a business degree, and selectivity measures. In addition, data is collected on the requirements of economics majors across institutions. Regression is used to determine what institutional variables influence specific track requirements, such as math/statistics, econometrics, capstone course, and internship. Given the unique data set that has been created, this paper offers new information and several conclusions about the economics major

Your Place in Space: Classroom Experiment on Spatial Location Theory

The authors detail an urban economics experiment that is easily run in the classroom. The experiment has a flexible design that allows the instructor to explore how congestion, zoning, public transportation, and taxation levels determine the bid-rent function. Heterogeneous agents in the experiment compete for land use utilizing a simple auction mechanism. Using the data that is collected, a bid-rent function is derived, and the experimental treatment is altered over the course of three sessions to uncover core concepts in urban economics. Moreover, this provides a tangible experience that can be used to help undergraduates relate to urban issues such as the steep rent gradient found around many larger colleges and universities.

A Comparative Examination of Vocational Education Teacher Qualifications and Preparation Between Finland and the State of Ohio in the United States

Working between the formal education system and workplace, vocational education teachers contribute to the growth and development of a country’s future workforce. Using interviews of university professors, examination of legislation and administrative rules and information obtained from applicable websites, this article compares two different teacher education systems for the preparation of vocational teachers in the country of Finland and the state of Ohio in the United States. Findings indicate both systems have commonalities as well as significant differences. This comparison will contribute to a better understanding of vocational teacher education from an international perspective and examines such aspects as qualification requirements for vocational education teachers, the institutions providing teacher preparation and the content of the teacher training programs. A discussion of the vocational education systems in both settings is also provided for background and context

Your Place in Space: Classroom Experiment on Spatial Location Theory

The authors detail an urban economics experiment that is easily run in the classroom. The experiment has a flexible design that allows the instructor to explore how congestion, zoning, public transportation, and taxation levels determine the bid-rent function. Heterogeneous agents in the experiment compete for land use utilizing a simple auction mechanism. Using the data that is collected, a bid-rent function is derived, and the experimental treatment is altered over the course of three sessions to uncover core concepts in urban economics. Moreover, this provides a tangible experience that can be used to help undergraduates relate to urban issues such as the steep rent gradient found around many larger colleges and universities

Otolaryngology needs among an adult homeless population: a prospective study

Abstract Background Homeless individuals frequently experience poor access to healthcare, delayed clinical presentation, and higher disease burden. Providing subspecialty otolaryngology care to this population can be challenging. We previously reported on the prevalence of hearing impairment in Toronto’s homeless community. As a secondary objective of this study, we sought to define otolaryngology specific need for this population. Methods One hundred adult homeless individuals were recruited across ten homeless shelters in Toronto, Canada using a stratified random sampling technique. An audiometric evaluation and head and neck physical examination were performed by an audiologist and otolaryngology resident, respectively. Basic demographic and clinical information was captured through verbal administration of a survey. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate frequency of otolaryngology specific diseases for this population. Results Of the 132 individuals who were initially approached to participant, 100 (76%) agreed. There were 64 males, with median age of 46 years (IQR 37–58 years). The median life duration of homelessness was 24 months (IQR 6–72 months). Participants had a wide range of medical comorbidities, with the most common being current tobacco smoking (67%), depression (36%), alcohol abuse (32%), and other substance abuse (32%). There were 22 patients with otolaryngology needs as demonstrated by one or more abnormal findings on head and neck examination. The most common finding was nasal fracture with significant nasal obstruction (6%). Eleven patients required referral to a staff otolaryngologist based on concerning or suspicious findings, including two head and neck masses, 6 were later seen in follow-up. Conclusion There were substantial otolaryngology needs amongst a homeless population within a universal healthcare system. Future research should focus on further elucidating head and neck related issues in this population and expanding the role of the otolaryngologist in providing care to homeless individuals