The concept of teaching macroeconomics at higher education institutions with economics-based curricula

The ultimate objective of the present PhD thesis is to propose effective instructional methods to be employed in teaching macroeconomics as an academic subject, their selection being determined by the personality type recognition of the students of economics-based academic programmes. First, a current state of academic education and an increase in the number of university/college students, schools and faculties are analysed. Within the sector of higher education institutions (HEI) providing academic training in economic sciences, the focus is on the rationale of the inclusion of macroeconomics in their syllabi. Having conducted the quantitative research, the MBTI questionnaire being employed to measure personality types, the composition of academic study groups in the chosen economics-based schools was examined from the viewpoint of the given typology. An analysis of currently applied forms and methods of instruction in macroeconomics at the Private University College of Economic Studies (PUCES) is accompanied by the interpretation of their impact on the academic achievements of particular personality types. Based on the research findings, appropriate teaching methods are matched with respective personality types and subsequently with the entire study group comprising different types of personalities. The present dissertation thesis consists of an introduction, seven chapters and a conclusion. The introduction presents the aim of the thesis, an overview of the current state of relevant research on the topic as well as research hypotheses and methodology. Chapter 1 explores the current state of HEI programmes affected by soaring numbers of students, HEIs and their faculties. Chapter 2 focuses on macroeconomics as a scientific discipline and an academic subject incorporated in the syllabuses of the selected HEIs. Chapter 3 concentrates on academic teaching, outlining the philosophies, modes and methods of academic instruction. In chapter 4, personality typologies are exposed, focusing selectively on their development, emphasising those with significant social influence. The MBTI personality typology is given special attention, corresponding basic personality dimensions, dispositions and study successfulness being considered. Chapter 5 describes the results of the research of the student groups' structure according to MBTI typology in five chosen HEIs, summarizing the outcomes from the schools being tested. In chapter 6, macroeconomics examination results achieved by PUCES students are displayed, being related to respective personality categories in compliance with the above typology. In the last chapter, optimal methods and instructional approaches are suggested for teaching particular personality types of students, the heterogeneous composition of the study groups being taken into consideration.