Certificate Programme in Behavioral Economics for Ethical Decision Making in Education
Published on June 24, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in behavioral economics and education. She's here to tell us about a new course she's teaching, the Certificate Programme in Behavioral Economics for Ethical Decision Making in Education. Dr. Smith, can you start by telling us a bit about behavioral economics in education? GUEST: Of course! In simple terms, it's about understanding how cognitive biases and heuristics influence the choices that students, teachers, and administrators make. HOST: That sounds fascinating. And this course is all about ethical decision-making. How important is ethics in this field? GUEST: It's crucial. As educators, we have a responsibility to create fair and effective learning environments. This program provides practical tools to help us do just that. HOST: Can you share some examples of these tools or strategies? GUEST: Sure. We'll learn about nudging, which is a way to subtly influence behavior, and choice architecture, which is designing the environment to make certain choices easier. HOST: That sounds like it could be very powerful. What are some of the challenges in applying these concepts in real-world educational settings? GUEST: One challenge is overcoming skepticism. Some people view these techniques as manipulative. But when used ethically, they can greatly improve student outcomes. HOST: Absolutely, and that's where the ethical decision-making part comes in. Looking forward, where do you see this intersection of psychology, economics, and education going? GUEST: I believe we'll see more emphasis on social responsibility and ethical leadership in education. As we understand more about how our minds work, we'll be better equipped to create positive change. HOST: That's inspiring. Thank you, Dr. Smith, for sharing your insights with us today. If you're interested in learning more, check out the Certificate Programme in Behavioral Economics for Ethical Decision Making in Education. It's a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and make a real difference in education.
