Engaging International Data in the Classroom: Using the ICB Interactive Data Library to Teach Conflict and Crisis Analysis

In: International studies perspectives: a journal of the International Studies Association, Band 2, Heft 4, S. 371-383

Abstract

The challenges of teaching quantitative research methods in international relations are well documented. The key to igniting interest & engaging students lies in creating a participatory learning environment in the classroom. This article discusses these challenges & describes a new piece of software that may be helpful in that regard. The ICB Interactive Data Library enhances access to the information available in the ICB (International Crisis Behavior project) data by organizing it into an interactive software package (Brecher, Hewitt, & Wilkenfeld, 2000). The ICB Library is an especially valuable teaching tool because it allows students to easily access the resources from a major data collection project, which, in turn, exposes them to the challenges & opportunities offered by quantitative research in international relations. After describing the ICB Library, this article will discuss how it can be used in the classroom via problem-based learning techniques. 3 Figures, 1 Appendix, 14 References. Adapted from the source document.