Teaching

Elif has been teaching at the university level in a variety of disciplines (economics, mathematical finance, and mathematics) in different parts of the world, and in culturally diverse environments for years. She is a perfect teacher who is admired and appreciated by many students. Regardless of the subject matter, her foremost objective is emanating rational thinking. She emphasizes on improving her students’ quantitative skills while trying to help them think rationally. She envisions her students being rational subjects to whom the society's future can be trusted. She provides examples where game theory may be applied in situations of conflict, voting, social choice...

The other objective of her teaching is to disseminate critical thinking. She requires students to learn the models of economic theory thoroughly by challenging their comprehension through inquiries (even at introductory level) such as: "what aspect of the real world is missing in the model?" or "what can be a valid critique for the model?”. Indeed, to be able to criticize, one needs to be in full command of the underlying theory.

Because of her formal training in pure mathematics, communicating ideas in terms of first order logic comes to her naturally. No matter the discipline she teaches, she encourages her students to express themselves in formal language. She expects them to be able to derive conclusions through logical consequences of statements.

A vast majority of the students finds her very approachable. Outside observers stated that even the most reticent students become participants in her classes. Teaching - learning process is a transformative life purpose for her. She creates a friendly atmosphere inside the classroom so that the students feel comfortable in participating and asking/answering questions openly. She has a unique eclectic style which has been changing, transforming, evolving, and improving continuously.