The Birmingham Economic Education Seminars (BEES) are a collaboration between Birmingham's three largest universities; Aston University, University of Birmingham, and Birmingham City University. Our seminars aim to provide a diverse and inclusive space for the presentation and discussion of ideas in economics education and aim to provide value to educators both within economics, and in adjacent disciplines which face similar challenges in teaching and learning.
In the interests of promoting inclusion and participation from as wide an audience as possible, we welcome both in-person or remote participation.
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Next event
Wednesday 4th of June, 14.00-16:00 at Room UNIH-111, University of Birmingham, B15 2TY
Title: A deeper dive into awarding gaps: an economics department case study (presented in association with UoB's Economics Research into Education Group (ERiE))
Abstract: Awarding gaps continue to remain a major concern within academic circles. Some initiatives taken by universities to address these gaps include targeted enhanced support to specific groups of students, curriculum reforms and modifying assessment models. Despite these initiatives, awarding gaps continue to persist within the higher education sector in the United Kingdom. In this talk, I share an initiative implemented at the Department of Economics, University of Exeter Business School to address one of the root causes of the persistent awarding gaps identified between home and international students in its Business Economics programme. The initiative involves (1) a pedagogical intervention to better prepare international students for the programme and (2) taking an unpopular but warranted action to bring about much needed change by all the relevant stakeholders. This initiative is still in progress and feedback is welcome as we continue to seek ways to reduce awarding gaps in the higher education sector.
Bio: Martha is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Economics, University of Exeter Business School. She holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Birmingham. Her main research focuses on financial economics and financial technology. She also has an interest in education, inclusion and gender studies, and project collaborations with policy makers. She leads various initiatives at the University of Exeter Business School and beyond that foster a culture where individuals feel a sense of belonging, their voices heard and equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Prior to joining academia, she worked in the banking industry. Outside academia, she is currently working with the Central bank of Kenya and other stakeholders on projects related to financial inclusion, financial literacy and economic empowerment of women and the younger generation.
This seminar will be in-person only. Refreshments will be provided, with opportunities for networking after the event.
