Teaching

As students enter and settle in, I notice a mix of attention—some are on their phones or laptops, others are chatting, and a few are already disengaged. To capture their focus, I start with striking facts or engaging real-world scenarios rather than plain definitions. I ask myself: Why would this topic interest them? How can they relate to it? Presenting concepts in a relatable and relevant way not only grabs their attention but also helps students see the real-world importance of what they are learning. Even when the class begins distracted or routine-focused, this approach sparks curiosity and encourages active engagement.

I guide students to think critically by introducing questions that focus on the core concepts. Often, students are unsure about what to ask, so I use prompts like “Why?” and “How?” early in the lecture to direct their attention to core concepts. This approach encourages active engagement from the start and lays a strong foundation for deeper exploration throughout the class. 

Many students assume Economics is an innate mindset, but it is really a framework for analyzing facts. I show how adopting an economic perspective can lead to multiple interpretations and a deeper understanding of the world. Throughout lectures, I ask students to revisit guiding questions like: How does this model or concept help us make sense of real-world facts? By the end of class, Economics becomes the lens through which the questions posed at the start are answered.

Encouraging Critical Thinking

• "Professor Adhikari pushed me as a student to think outside the box about economics...Although the material was difficult to understand at times, she did her best to explain to the class what they meant."

• "This course also forced me to think critically about everything as well."

Breaking Down Complexity

• "She does a really great job of making these difficult concepts simpler and easy to understand."

• "She always could find real world examples to help explain concepts to us which helped me understand what was going on in the economy."

• "She was very good at putting the complicated and information-packed material we learned in class into more simple terms which made it a lot easier to understand."

• "Was amazing at explaining difficult concepts from lecture. Made me really understand the topic and the way to approach exam questions."

Prepared, Clear, and Supportive Teaching

• "I think Ms. Adhikari was very prepared and well-organized. She always had lecture slides ready at the start of class and bolded important ideas, which helped."

• "She spoke clearly and concisely when talking about the material which really aided in our ability to learn."

• "After exams, we got thorough indications of what we did wrong and how we can improve on the next unit."

• "She never gave up. There were several instances where the class was filled with dead silence. She attempted to fill that silence with any example, concept, or lesson she could think of, right off the spot."

• "My TA's greatest strength is making herself always readily available to meet for office hours and she actually cares that we do well in this class."

• "She genuinely cares if her students grasp the material."

• "She was very accommodating and really cared to make sure students understood the material."

• "She is very caring for her students. This class can be difficult and she knows that but she does everything in her power to make us comfortable and to help us."

• "My professor always made time for us before exams with extra office hours."

• "The teacher was always willing to help in office hours as well."

• "The professor is quick to respond to emails and really wants to help."