Prof. Chatt a finalist for Innovation in Teaching Award

Robert Chatt, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics and management, was selected as one of three finalists for the Financial Management Association’s Innovation in Teaching Award.

The Award aims to “recognize an inspiring educator, enhance the quality and relevance of education in finance, disseminate successful innovative practices, and elevate teaching as a craft to the next level,” according to the FMA website.

The award is presented at the FMA’s annual conference, where finalists presented their work and received feedback from a national audience of peers. Dr. Chatt represented WSU at the conference and presented the work he is integrating into his upper-level finance courses. He was selected as the first runner-up for the Award.

“I have been integrating a token economy (commonly referred to as classroom currency),” Chatt explained. “This methodology has unique applications in finance, as it provides a baseline financial system that the instructor can monitor and shift as needed.  Through this, students gain firsthand experience with concepts that are otherwise restricted to textbook pages, and many of the more complex concepts become more relatable because there is a framework with which students are familiar.”

Dr. Chatt’s methodology was inspired by similar work from Westfield State colleague Hillary Sackett-Taylor, Ph.D., professor of economics and management, which was showcased at WSU’s Excellence in Teaching event.

For more information on the Innovation in Teaching Award, click here.