See Like an Economist: Photo Assignments in Economics Courses

Authors

  • Lavinia Moldovan Mount Royal University
  • Ambrose Leung Mount Royal University
  • Carter Davidson Mount Royal University
  • Anna Johnson Mount Royal University
  • Gurvir Sangha Mount Royal University
  • Brady Sommerfeld Mount Royal University

Keywords:

undergraduate economics teaching, students' learning, assignment, photography

Abstract

This paper explains the design and purpose of a photo assignment for economics courses. To make vital connections between their own world or lived experience and economic theory, students take pictures in familiar surroundings and explain them through concepts learned in economics courses. The students choose the subject of their photographs and process information from their familiar world through economic theory, communicating their ideas both visually and in writing. The goal of the assignment is to develop long-lasting skills and to ensure that each student is given a creative outlet, which is often not present in our quantitative assignments. The paper discusses the design of effective assignment instructions and selected student work is used to illustrate the benefits of using the photo assignment as a learning tool to enhance student understanding of economic concepts and theories.

Author Biographies

  • Lavinia Moldovan, Mount Royal University

    Associate Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 6K6, Canada

  • Ambrose Leung, Mount Royal University

    Associate Professor of Economics, Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 6K6, Canada

  • Carter Davidson, Mount Royal University

    Recent graduate, Bachelor of Business Administration, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 6K6, Canada

  • Anna Johnson, Mount Royal University

    Student, Policy Studies, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 6K6, Canada

  • Gurvir Sangha, Mount Royal University

    Student, Open Studies, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 6K6, Canada

  • Brady Sommerfeld, Mount Royal University

    Recent graduate, Bachelor of Psychology, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 6K6, Canada

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Published

2026-03-19

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2026): Journal for Economic Educators

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Lavinia Moldovan, Ambrose Leung, Carter Davidson, Anna Johnson, Gurvir Sangha, Brady Sommerfeld

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