Educational Insights: A Hybrid Course in Risk Management and Insurance

Abstract

Universities and colleges continue to face constraints related to classroom space and faculty time, thus increasing the need to consider options such as hybrid courses that can leverage available resources. This article discusses the benefits of a hybrid course, as well as its design and implementation at a large, public university. In addition, for universities that use the introduction to risk and insurance course as a significant course for attracting majors, we identify the benefits for students from the use of hybrid courses, such as the variety of materials and activities utilized, as well as the flexibility in scheduling. This information may be useful in marketing the course so that it will be immediately attractive to students.

Improving Perceptions of the Insurance Industry: The Influence of Insurance Professionals

“…From a broader perspective, the research presented in this article extends work in the vein of Carson et al. () or Nielson et al. () who consider methods for improving the effectiveness, appeal, and visibility of educational endeavors related to RMI.…”

“…Our results are also important because it uses survey data from a different student population to confirm the results of Gardner et al (2013) that focused, concerted efforts to convey information to students about industries related to RMI have a positive effect on their disposition toward the industry. From a broader perspective, the research presented in this article extends work in the vein of Carson et al (2010) or Nielson et al (2005) who consider methods for improving the effectiveness, appeal, and visibility of educational endeavors related to RMI.…”

“…Utilizing survey data from a larger sample and a different student population, our analysis also supports the findings of Gardner et al (2013) that focused and concentrated efforts to convey information about risk management and insurance (RMI)-related fields to students have a positive effect on their disposition toward the industry. Studies such as Gardner et al (2013), Carson et al (2010), Nielson et al (2005), Hamilton et al (2003), and Gustavson and Trieschmann (1997) have, often in the setting of a single university, considered methods for improving the effectiveness, appeal, and visibility of educational endeavors related to RMI, and our study also contributes to this area of the literature.…”

“…For example, Carson et al. () discuss a hybrid course in RMI that, because of its attractiveness to students, could be useful in marketing risk management related courses. Nielson et al.…”

“…Additional academic studies shed further light on the talent gap by considering topics related to effective methods of insurance education and student interest in insurance careers. For example, Carson et al (2010) discuss a hybrid course in RMI that, because of its attractiveness to students, could be useful in marketing risk management related courses. Nielson et al (2005) provide an overview of a study abroad insurance course that, among other benefits, could help "make risk management and insurance appealing to a larger group of students."…”