I must say, I have taught an excellent group of ECO 2315 students this fall 2023 semester. This is perhaps one of the best 2315 cohorts I have ever taught at Texas State University. When the semester began, I started with 40 students and none of them dropped my class. But what I was most joyful and excited about, was that, I had perfect attendance (even though I don't take attendance) all through this fall 2023 semester except for one student who told me he had a full-time job and couldn't make it in class every meeting on time. These students were always on time, engaged, and asking brilliant questions. That brought all the energy in me and they loved it.
Today, when I gave my final exam, I made sure I shook all their hands, looked them in the eye, and asked what they were majoring in. They all told me what they were majoring in and they were excited about my class and the energy I brought everyday. They all told me they felt the enthusiasm and learning of the material became contagious throughout the semester. I must say, it was a broad coalition of students, ranging from a history major, international studies majors, marketing majors, computer information system majors, management majors, economics majors, a math major, finance majors, accounting majors, etc. Many told me they were planning to switch to economics or at least double-major in economics just because of how they found my principles of macroeconomics not only exciting but also connected to their majors.
I must also add, there is an extremely strong positive correlation between attendance and performance and I have witnessed it firsthand this semester. I will miss them but many asked me for the upper division economics classes which I teach. I whispered to them and they got the memo.
Professor of Finance
1moCongratulations, Ido. It was a pleasure to have you on the program. Please stay in touch.