Teaching Decision Analysis

In teaching decision analysis at the University of Waikato in New Zealand, I employ four techniques that appear unusual relative to what others commonly describe in the literature: (1) exploring descriptive decision processes to motivate students to use prescriptive approaches, (2) using a student-centered approach to learning, (3) incorporating cultural issues when discussing decision analysis, and (4) using computers to support teaching and learning. Many readers will have meaningful experiences to share in these areas, and I hope that this paper generates some discussion in the literature regarding such experiences.