Teaching Macroeconomics Using a Multi-paradigmatic,Problem-Based Learning Approach

Abstract

In the wake of the recent global financial crisis, the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, modern mainstream macroeconomics has come under increasing scrutiny. Why should students be taught only the mainstream perspective, which often relies on a highly formal mathematical framework focused on solving intertemporal optimization problems? This is an overly narrow viewpoint. Instead, a multi-paradigmatic approach can help students become critical thinkers who better understand how modern capitalist economies operate. As such, we teach economics at Aalborg University Business School in Denmark using a problem-based learning approach that addresses a range of theoretical and methodological topics in a pluralistic way. In doing so, our strategy differs significantly from the way economics is typically taught in more mainstream departments.

JEL Classification: A20, E10, E12