Abstract:

Econometrics is a relatively modern branch of Economics that combines elements of Mathematics, Statistics and Economic Theory for the empirical study of economic phenomena. Its interdisciplinary nature provides an enormous training capacity for students of Economics. However, due to its mathematical content, students find it difficult to successfully pass their Econometrics courses and abandonment and failure rates in this subject tend to be high in Spain. In order to solve these problems, a group of professors from the Department of Economic Analysis of the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos have implemented an innovative teaching method during the academic year 2012-2013 with several groups of the degree of Economics. The project is an "Econometric Game" in which students are divided in teams that compete to solve applied cases. This project was inspired by a similar experience that started several years ago at the University of Amsterdam. Applied more than theoretical econometrics and the use of new technologies play a central role in the development of this game. The goal of this experience is not only that students stop seing Econometrics as a difficult subject, but also to improve students' ability to use econometric tools and software as well as economic databases. The use of a playful element, the possibility of working in groups, the ability to learn autonomously, or the massive use of IT, turn this experience into something completely new, far away from traditional lectures, normally used in most Spanish universities.

Keywords:

Innovation, Econometrics.