The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) in association with the Irish Economics Association (IEA), University College Dublin, Maynooth University, NUI Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Limerick, Munster Technological University, The Central Bank of Ireland, The Irish Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), The Economics and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), Business Studies Teachers’ Association of Ireland (BSTAI), Technological University Dublin, The Oireachtas Library & Research Service and Laois Education Support Centre are delighted to announce that the Young Economist(s) of the Year 2022 has been officially launched.

PDST Young Economist of the Year is approved and funded by the Teacher Education Section (TES) of the Department of Education.

IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR YEOTY 2022

Projects may be in any area of economics. For examples and inspiration, previous winning entries can be viewed here.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

This year we will continue to promote an inquiry-based approach by students. While we encourage students to integrate the use of digital media into their presentations, the emphasis is on the quality of the investigation and economic analysis, through reasoned, well-informed arguments underpinned by relevant data and economic concepts and theories. We also encourage creativity and will accept submissions in a variety of forms such as essay, report, short video/documentary, powerpoint, prezi etc. The points below are important to consider when planning and preparing your submissions.

1. Relevance

Research questions must be relevant to economics and if you are applying to be considered for a special interest category such as IGEES or Central Bank of Ireland, the research question must have particular relevance to their respective remits – further details on special interest categories to follow in November along with details of the PDST teacher professional development event due to take place on Thursday, 18th November 2021.

2. Sustainable Development Goals

Projects must clearly link to at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals -https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

3. Research Question & Motivation

Both the research question and motivation for choosing this question should be clearly stated and easy to understand at the outset of the project.

4. Data Gathering

• Secondary data must be relevant to the economic topic chosen, current and referenced accurately – see resources Scoilnet.ie. Other useful information may be found in “Appendix A:Guidance on Referencing Sources of Information” in Leaving Certificate Economics – Guidelines to support the Research Study (NCCA, 2021) available at curriculumonline.ie

• Primary data must be current and relevant to the topic.

5. Analysis of Data

Students should clearly articulate the useful information discovered from the data that may be used to inform the conclusion and demonstrate support for any decision-making.

6. Findings

Should include a summary of the analysis that either answers the research question or compels deeper or further investigation.

7. Conclusion

• Restate the topic as well as explaining why it is important

• Main points summarised

• “So what” question answered - i.e. recommendations, where to next etc.

8. Presentation

The presentation should be clear, informative and engaging. Information should be accurate and referenced appropriately where relevant.

Please note: We will also have a separate “Creativity in Economics” category where we welcome submissions on explanations/illustrations/explorations of economic concepts that are articulated via animations, mind-map, visual presentation, poems, raps etc.

ENQUIRIES

Please email all enquiries to [email protected]

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF ENTRIES

On or before Tuesday, 1st March 2022 @ 6 p.m.

SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES

Details of how to submit entries will be available on PDST website and at youngeconomist.ie in due course.

THE AWARD CELEBRATION

The award ceremony will be held at O’Reilly Hall, University College Dublin on Thursday, 28th April 2022.

CERTIFICATION & PRIZES

All students who submit an entry will receive a certificate of participation. Gold medal winners will be shortlisted for further awards in relevant categories.

GUIDELINES FOR ENTRIES

Students can submit individual or group entries - student/groups can submit one entry for consideration. Maximum number of entries per class is 3. Maximum number of students per group is 4.
Schools must engage in their own internal filtering process and all students who participate at school level will receive a certificate of participation.
Students’ submissions will be evaluated by economists and educationalists from a range of universities and economic institutions.

Entries submitted for consideration must comply with the following terms:
Submissions depending on chosen format should not exceed 25 slides, a maximum word count of 3000 words excluding appendices and references. Video submissions should not exceed a maximum of 12 minutes duration

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