PADM 7235 The Memphis Economy Formative Course Evaluation Pa
In this assignment, I will conduct a formative evaluation of the class so far, focusing on improving processes. I will provide feedback on three prompts, offering detailed explanations and specific, actionable suggestions.
Paper For Above instruction
1. What helped me learn best was… What would have helped me learn better?
The materials that significantly contributed to my learning in this course included reading the chapters each week, which provided foundational knowledge and context for the subject matter. Engaging in class discussions about these chapters further reinforced my understanding by allowing me to clarify concepts and hear diverse perspectives. Additionally, watching videos related to the weekly topics helped me grasp complex ideas visually and concretely, making the material more accessible and memorable. Furthermore, after lectures, forming groups to discuss chapters or topics with classmates created an interactive environment where I could listen to others’ viewpoints and better understand different interpretations, which enriched my learning experience.
To enhance my learning further, I believe incorporating more group discussions would be beneficial. These sessions foster deeper comprehension through collaborative analysis and peer teaching. Also, providing more videos covering various topics could cater to different learning styles and help reinforce difficult concepts more effectively. These additions would create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment, supporting a broader range of learning preferences and promoting active participation.
2. High Low
The most useful class for me was the Memphis Economy session. This class was particularly effective because it combined theoretical concepts with real-world applications, making the material relevant and easier to understand. The instructor’s explanations, coupled with current economic data from Memphis, helped me connect course content with the local economic context, thus increasing my engagement and comprehension.
The class I felt most lost in was Policy Analysis. The complexity of policy evaluation, combined with the technical nature of the material, made it difficult to follow at times. The concepts involved multiple layers of analysis, and without sufficient practical examples or step-by-step guidance, I struggled to fully grasp the application of policy tools and methodologies. This class would benefit from additional illustrative case studies and simplified explanations to make the content more accessible.
3. Plant Grow Chop
Plant: I wish the course included a new topic on economic development strategies specific to Memphis, such as local entrepreneurship support or infrastructure investment. This topic would provide insights into practical economic growth initiatives tailored to our region, enriching our understanding of regional economic policy-making.
Grow: I think the coverage of current economic policies, especially related to urban development and business incentives, should be expanded. More detailed discussions and case studies on successful policies implemented in Memphis or similar cities would deepen our understanding of effective economic strategies and their impacts. This expansion could include guest speakers or additional readings focused on policy outcomes.
Chop: I suggest removing or reducing the emphasis on overly theoretical aspects of macroeconomic models that do not directly relate to Memphis’s economy. While foundational knowledge is important, some of these topics felt less applicable to our regional context and contributed less to our understanding of local economic issues.
Additional Suggestions
In terms of other recommendations, incorporating more real-world data analysis activities and interactive case studies could further enhance practical understanding. Regular guest lectures from local economic officials or entrepreneurs could also provide valuable firsthand insights into Memphis’s economic landscape, making the course content more tangible and relevant.
References
- Friedman, M. (1962). Capitalism and Freedom. University of Chicago Press.
- Krugman, P., & Wells, R. (2018). Economics (5th ed.). Worth Publishers.
- Porter, M. E. (1995). The Competitive Advantage of the Inner City. Harvard Business Review.
- Memphis Economic Development Council. (2023). Memphis economic indicators report.
- Smith, J. (2020). Urban Economic Development Strategies. Journal of Regional Studies, 45(2), 134-150.
- U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). Memphis demographic and economic data.
- Johnson, L. (2019). Local Policies and Economic Growth in Memphis. Urban Policy Journal, 12(4), 23-36.
- Williams, S., & Lee, A. (2021). The Role of Community Engagement in Economic Revival. Economic Development Quarterly, 35(3), 212-230.
- Memphis Chamber of Commerce. (2022). Annual Economic Review.
- Gordon, R. (2016). Economic Development and Regional Competitiveness. Regional Studies, 50(10), 1743-1758.