Ghonche Khalaj - Teaching

I view teaching as a means to help students think critically, apply ideas in practical ways, and develop confidence in their analytical skills. In my classes, I focus on making concepts easy to understand and relevant to real-world finance. I encourage students to take ownership of their learning and use tools like AI responsibly, not as shortcuts, but as support for deeper thinking and problem-solving.

Courses Taught

Investments (FIN 346)

Instructor of Record | Fall 2024- Fall 2025, Spring 2026
Whitman School of Management

In this course, I was responsible for the full design and delivery, including lecture content, assessments, and student engagement strategies.

Teaching Assistantship

Investments (FIN 346)

Whitman School of Management | Fall 2021, Fall 2022

Principles of Finance (FIN 256)

Whitman School of Management | Spring 2021, Spring 2022

Introduction to Financial Engineering

Tarbiat Modares University | Fall 2019

Sample Teaching Methods

Mini-Presentations: Each student delivers a 6-minute analysis of a curated video related to investing, financial markets, or behavioral finance, typically sourced from platforms such as YouTube and Bloomberg. These presentations go beyond summarizing the content: students are expected to identify key financial concepts, connect the video’s themes to course material (such as valuation, investor psychology, or market anomalies), and offer their interpretation or critique. This assignment enables students to practice applying theory to real-world contexts, develop their presentation skills, and engage in peer-to-peer learning.

The Truth About IPOs

Analyzing an Annual Report

Problem-Solving Sessions:

I incorporate hands-on exercises where students work in teams to apply financial models and concepts during class. As they collaborate, I move around the classroom to offer individual feedback, ensuring that all students, including those who are quieter, have a chance to ask questions and engage. We conclude by reviewing solutions together to reinforce key ideas and encourage peer learning.

Engagement Tools:

To foster inclusivity and keep students engaged, I use mid-lecture QR code prompts to collect short, personal reflections related to the day’s topic. I then initiate brief conversations with a few students, often quieter or less active voices, to highlight their input and build a sense of belonging while reinforcing the material.

Structured Group Project:

Students complete a final group marketing plan with multiple check-in points throughout the semester. This structure promotes accountability, collaboration, and cumulative learning without overwhelming students. Below is an example of a group presentation slides submitted by one of the teams.

Group 3 - Cattle Branding as an Investment.pptx