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Russian Politics Explained by the Spice Girls:

Explore the use of Spice Girls to explain Russian politics in an innovative task-based learning approach in the international relations classroom.

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Russian Politics Explained by the Spice Girls:

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  1. 1 of 25 Russian Politics Explained by the Spice Girls: TriallingTask-Based Learning in the International Relations Classroom Cai Wilkinson | Deakin University | cai.wilkinson@deakin.edu.au

  2. 2 of 25 Design and delivery of a new UG unit for 2010-11: International Politics and Security in Russia and Eurasia PGCLTHE project: “More Problem than Solution? Managing the Practical Challenges of PBL Course Delivery” How (not) to use Problem-Based Learning Development of skills as well as content knowledge background

  3. 3 of 25 Problem-based learning

  4. 4 of 25 Aim of integrating theory and practice 'learning is built round the tasks and learning results as the student tries to understand not only the tasks themselves but also the concepts and mechanisms underlying the tasks' (Harden et al. 2000: 392). Task-related knowledge (i.e. how to do something) acquired is seen as being as important as the content and conceptual knowledge that is developed Focus on tasks undertaken by 'IR/Politics professionals' such as writing policy papers (Boys and Keating 2009), presenting information in different formats, making statements. task-based learning

  5. 5 of 25 weekly task cycle http://prezi.com/wrgzorzbe9_g/ipsre-weekly-cycle/

  6. 6 of 25 Initial briefing (30 mins) • Spokespeople present on one question • Lecturer input to ensure main points covered Task (50-60 mins) • Group-work • Lecturer as facilitator Debrief/plenary (20-25 mins) • Spokespeople present group output • Lecturer feedback class structure

  7. 7 of 25 Time-limited Predetermined output Discrete, self-contained Drawing on information sources beyond set readings Aim of exposing students to different formats and ways of presenting information Preparation for assessed work the tasks: Principles

  8. 8 of 25 tasks Each task type used at least twice Mini/Draft briefing papers Op ed, press statement, news report Infographics Annotated maps Story boards Research/Conference panel proposal SWOT analysis Book review

  9. 9 of 25 Russia SWOT ANALYSIS (GROUP Q)

  10. 10 of 25 Strengths Corruption – Believe it or not, but this is what Russia does best Economics Strong Constitution Apathetic Civil Society Proud Nation

  11. 11 of 25 Weaknesses • Separation of Powers • Leadership style – Does the current system create a void between the Prime Minister and President? • Lack of Free Press/Intimidation of Press • Poor Law Enforcement • Centralisation of Business • Shadow State • Lack of Opposition

  12. 12 of 25 Opportunities Economic Opportunity – increasing economic diversity Open to international Dialogue The World Cup (CHEATS!!) If it aint broke, don’t fix it

  13. 13 of 25 Threats Oil and Gas – Not an endless supply Dutch disease Chinese emergence in the area Stagnation of resources Islamic Terrorism Security Threats

  14. 14 of 25 The Financial Crisis and a Verdict on Transition Myant and Drahokoupil A Critical Review by Group V

  15. 15 of 25

  16. 16 of 25 What are the key points of the chapter? - 4 Stages of the Financial Crisis • Credit Crunch • Demand Slump • Further Downward Pressures • Fiscal Insolvency Crisis

  17. 17 of 25 What's changed since they wrote it and how does this affect their conclusions (if it does)? • Oil Prices. Originally high, shielded Russia’s economy. But, when prices fell due to lack of demand, the economic crisis affected Russia more severely. • As of January 2010 oil prices were $80 per barrel which meant Russia could buy foreign currency and gold reserves. This has led to an increase in the value of the rouble, however the budget is still heading for a deficit.

  18. 18 of 25 What are the strengths of the chapter? Effective Economic analysis due to depth of data provided. Including external debt and its structure as percentage of GDP data, solvency risks and maturity structures, loans and foreign currency as percentage of total loans, IMF agreements etc. Well structured, in regards to Russia’s near abroad.

  19. 19 of 25 What are the weaknesses/shortcomings of the chapter? Biased. Socialist. The countries were hit by the crisis because states weren't controlling their economy, which led to the concentration of capital in private hands. Too long winded and wordy. - Leszek Orchiuch 2011 Dull. – Sam Marks 2011.

  20. 20 of 25 For whom is the article useful and why? Students of IPSRE Economists.

  21. 21 of 25 How could it be improved from the perspective of undergraduate students? Better continuity for tables. Add some pictures. Bullet Points. Easier to digest. ‘Pictures of women (to better appeal to basement dwelling male economics audience) & A free complementary gift (either an electronic device or a free trip to an exotic location)’ – Artem Kruzhilin

  22. 22 of 25 Press statements

  23. 23 of 25 PREp for media interviews

  24. 24 of 25 storyboards: music video

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