Instructor of Economics Peiyong “Patricia” Yu
UH West Oʻahu Instructor of Economics, Peiyong “Patricia” Yu won the 2015 Laulima Innovation Award for her online course, Principles of Microeconomics. Sponsored by UH West Oʻahu Distance Education, the Laulima Innovation Award honors UH West Oʻahu faculty for their excellent use of technology in the classroom that enhances the student learning experience. The award-winner receives a monetary prize and certificate of achievement.
As part of Principles of Microeconomics, Yu began each class using the Laulima “hovercam” feature so students could visually connect with her as the instructor. She also used the “document camera” function that allowed distance learning students to view step-by-step how to solve real-life problems using supply and demand curves. Yu also incorporated relevant videos about microeconomics concepts at the end of class lectures to keep students engaged and provide opportunities for critical thinking about lecture topics. She created interesting and engaging homework assignments using the “resources” function and posted YouTube videos for students to watch and then answer multiple choice and discussion questions about the video topic.
Dr. Patricia Yu will present her award-winning ideas to interested UH West Oʻahu faculty and staff during a brown bag discussion to be held later this academic year.
Peiyong “Patricia” Yu is an instructor of economics at UH West Oʻahu and most recently taught economics at McNeese State University in Louisiana. Her research is focused on urban economics, applied microeconomics, and environmental economics. Yu is a member of the Hawaii Economic Association, Western Economic Association International, and the Hawaii Council on Economic Education. She has a bachelor’s degree in international trade and economics from Tianjin Foreign Studies University and a master’s degree and doctorate in economics from Northern Illinois University.