Financial Education and Financial Literacy in Social Science Teachers' Education Program

The Teacher Education program in the School of Education at Bar-Ilan University is launching an innovative project to specialize teachers in financial education and financial literacy. This unique project will take place within the framework of the social sciences teaching track (the largest teaching track among the 15 tracks in the program).

The program will focus on providing teaching skills in financial education whilst developing pedagogical tools adapted to the teaching of financial education, and acquiring basic concepts alongside the development of problem-solving skills in a variety of subjects. The purpose of the lectures is to equip teachers to teach students to create a personal financial toolbox that will help the individual cope with financial challenges, develop awareness, and understand financial processes that will help the individual in the management of daily life. The sessions will be moderated by Mr. Yaniv Hadad, an expert in financial education, Dr. Iris Ben-David Hadar, with academic guidance, and in cooperation with Dr. Gila Zalka, head of the social sciences track in the Teacher Education program.

In recent years, there has been a gradual shift from the governments to the consumers in regards to the responsibility for various economic decisions. Beyond the multiple decisions that every person must take upon themselves (from an early age), the financial market has become more complex. The financial market is a dynamic and constantly evolving market. Globalization, technological improvements, and multiple distribution channels are only some of the reasons for the growing complexity of this market. When opening a bank account, taking a loan, issuing a credit card, or choosing products of savings or insurance, a consumer faces various alternatives with a variety of parameters, risks, and chances. As a result, the consumer finds it difficult to distinguish the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative and intelligently choose between them. Financial education can help the public understand its responsibility and provide the basic knowledge required to make these decisions, and raise awareness of sources of information and professional bodies for guidance and advice for further assistance.

The project aims to provide future teachers with the important tools in the content of informed economic behaviors and the pedagogical knowledge required to impart it, whilst training them to become mentors in the classes in which they teach.

Click here for more information about the Financial Education and Financial Literacy in Social Science Teachers' Education Program (Hebrew video)