An efficient format for a problem based introductory economics course

Problem-based learning is rather labor intensive for teaching staff. In addition, the problem-based structure does not work always optimally in practice. Brainstorming during pre-discussion of tasks becomes very superficial, preparation of the students is far from optimal, and post-discussion is more focused on repeating what is already in the book than on the task being discussed. However, these problems can be solved.This paper discusses a number of innovations in the format of the standard problem-based course. The uses of a large case study and the role of lectures in this, a virtual learning environment, subgroup activities, mind maps in post-discussion, and writing will be discussed. The combination of these innovations increases the efficiency of the group meetings and provides an opportunity to reduce the number of tutor group meetings. The approach that is discussed here is both useful for people who want to introduce problem-based learning as a learning approach in an efficient way as for those who want to improve on an existing problem based learning system.Economics ;

Crude oil: using a large case to teach introductory economics

Problem-based learning is rather labor intensive for teaching staff. In addition, the problem-based structure does not work always optimally in practice. Brainstorming during pre-discussion of tasks becomes very superficial, preparation of the students is far from optimal, and post-discussion is more focused on repeating what is already in the book than on the task being discussed. However, these problems can be solved.This paper discusses a number of innovations in the format of the standard problem-based course. The uses of a large case study and the role of lectures in this, a virtual learning environment, subgroup activities, mind maps in post-discussion, and writing will be discussed. The combination of these innovations increases the efficiency of the group meetings and provides an opportunity to reduce the number of tutor group meetings. The approach that is discussed here is both useful for people who want to introduce problem-based learning as a learning approach in an efficient way as for those who want to improve on an existing problem based learning system.Economics ;

Forestry in the MAGNET model

Forestry data have been included in the global general equilibrium MAGNET model at LEI Wageningen UR. This provides the opportunity to analyse substitution between forestry, natural forests and agriculture with the model, which is essential to analyse biodiversity and greenhouse gas effects of different policies options with respect to feed, food and fuel. The report discusses the background of the GTAP land use database used for the implementation, the way it has been implemented and some first simulation results. The report investigates the weaknesses of the implementation determining a research agenda for further improvements of modeling forestry into the MAGNET model

Geen doemscenario voor voedselprijzen

De prijzen voor energie en voedsel hebben invloed op elkaar. Onderzoekers van het LEI bekeken de effecten van de groeiende vraag, de opkomst van biobrandstoffen en stijgende productiekosten

Meat consumption, production and land use : model implementation and scenarios

This report discusses simulations with the LEITAP model about opportunities to reduce land use as a consequence of changing meat consumption and production. In order to be able to generate plausible simulation results, the LEITAP model had to be adjusted. These changes are discussed in the first part of the report. The next part discusses the simulation experiments and their results. Finally, we discuss shortly where we stand with this type of analyses and what steps could be taken to improve on the quality of this type of analysis

Consequences of EU Biofuel Policies on Agricultural Production and Land Use

This article assesses the implications of European Union (EU) biofuel policies based on a general equilibrium framework with endogenous land supply. The results show that, without policy intervention to stimulate the use of biofuel crops, the targets set by the EU Biofuels Directive will not be met. European biofuel policies boosting demand for biofuel crops have a strong impact on agriculture globally and within Europe, leading to an increase in land use. On the other hand, the long–term declining trend in real agricultural prices may slow down or even reverse

Methodology for the case studies

This document is about the methodology and selection of the case studies. It is meant as a guideline for the case studies, and together with the other reports in this work package can be a source of inform ation for policy officers, interest groups and researchers evaluating or performing impact assessments of circular economy policies or specific circular economy projects. The methodology was developed to ensure that the case studies focus on the overall im pacts of the circular economy. The frame of the methodology is a s tep - by - step approach, which will be described in section s 3 and 4 of this document. In section 2 we describe the selection of the case studies