@nformer

Creative JJvocess
ntidote to

t took six years of Fridays
and vacation time for two
Capilano College instructors to
revise the way economics is
introduced to post-secondary

students in Canada.

“Because of our work
schedules, the only time during
the term that we could work on
the project was Fridays,” says
John Sayre, who co-authored
two new texts along with his
colleague, Alan Morris. “I
came to love Fridays. I never
really knew what the creative
process meant until I had
experienced it. It’s extremely
energizing.”

The two books, Principles of
Macroeconomics and Principles
of Microeconomics, are distinct because
they contain integrated work books,
instructors’ manuals and test banks.

“Our package is also unique because
it has the same authors all the way
through,” adds John, who has taught
economics at the College since its
inception in 1968. “Other books have
different authors for different sections,
allowing for errors and omissions. Ours
ensures consistency. Any questions that
students might have on an exam are
answered within the text.”

Another unique element is the way
students are tested. As opposed to asking
students to complete a question, which is
how other texts work, the Sayre-Morris
versions ask a question, which requires
an answer. “The current method is
confusing and English as a Second

John Sayre (left) and Alan Morris display two new
economics texts which they co-authored.

Language (ESL) students have enormous
difficulties in figuring out what the
question is,” John says. “We have tried
hard to ensure that the questions will be
less frustrating for everyone, including
ESL students.” Throughout John’s 30-
year teaching career, he watched as new
text books came out, hoping each time
that they would address some areas
requiring revision.

“They never did,” he says, “so, out of
frustration I said, ‘I'll do it myself.’”

Alan shared John’s feelings about
changes being necessary and had been
reviewing John’s initial drafts.

“We started talking about the texts and
a collaboration grew from there,” John
says. “I realize now that I would never
have finished the project alone. We
worked on everything together.

a Successful

Jeurnout

Everything is a joint effort. It’s a
longer process, but it’s worth it.”

The books are being published
by Canadian publishing house
McGraw-Hill Ryerson.
Educational institutions that
teach economics now have the
option of using the Sayre-Morris
texts.

“In some instances, each
faculty member chooses their
textbooks,” John explains. “In
others, the departments choose a
common text. In either case, we
are relying on McGraw-Hill
Ryerson to make the educational
institutions aware
that this book is available.”

Presently, the book is only available
in Canada, however, the authors would
like to produce American and Japanese
editions. “But,” Johns adds, “it’s one
step at a time.” For now, the two
instructors are enjoying the moment
and the official launch of their texts,
even though John already has revision
notes for the next editions.

“The entire process generated a
feeling of aliveness that I haven’t felt
before,” John says. “Because of a
heavy work load, there’s a serious risk
of College instructors burning out.
Getting involved in a creative process
like this is an effective antidote to that
burnout.”

@ @= Capilano
@€ex College

———E

Vol. XVIII No. 5
May 24/96