Creating Depth of Knowledge Using Team-Based Research Projects in Money and Banking and Financial Markets Courses

Abstract

Many undergraduate programs enroll students in a Money and
Banking or Financial Markets course just after completing the
principles of economics or an introductory financial
management course. As professors who have taught Money and
Banking and Financial Markets courses over a number of years,
we have often faced a conundrum. Students note in their
evaluations and comments that the course content tends to be “a
bit dry” when compared to their experience in introductory
courses. As a result, in developing our financial markets course,
we have incorporated a project that has helped to engage
students. Student responses indicate success in making the
material more pertinent, engaging, and accessible.
Our “Financial Markets Project” requires students to
produce a comprehensive, structured analysis of a specific
financial market instrument or, alternatively, some institutional
aspect of financial markets. After completing the project,
students are required to present their findings to the class. This
project helps students to develop skills they will need in their
subsequent academic and working lives, such as: organizing and
conducting research; collecting, sorting and analyzing data;
writing and editing their findings; and publicly presenting their
results to a peer audience. The entire project is carried out using the Microsoft Office® Suite so students also develop
technical proficiency with spreadsheets, presentation software,
and simple statistical techniques. Analytical prowess is required
in developing the statistical relationships and in presenting and
explaining statistical results. This project is important for
students because it helps them to develop complex critical
thinking and writing skills along with vital presentation and
public speaking competencies.