Best Practices for Finance Educators

We had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Mary Funck in our Best Practices for Finance Education webinar. As a passionate educator with a unique background that spans healthcare, computer science, and finance, we had the opportunity to learn more about her and how she's navigated the educational landscape and introduced new tools to her students. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion.

A Non-Traditional Journey to Finance Education

Dr. Funck’s path to finance education wasn’t linear. She initially pursued a career in healthcare as a dental assistant and later in nursing before transitioning into computer science. From 1998 to 2007, she served as a university faculty member in Computer Science while working toward her PhD in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. Now in her 13th year of teaching finance, she leverages her diverse background to bring a unique approach to finance education.

Her experience in computer science not only honed her programming skills but also ignited her passion for Excel and VBA programming, which she now incorporates into her finance courses. Additionally, as a non-traditional student herself, she developed a deep empathy for students balancing academics with work and family responsibilities, shaping her approach to education.

Adapting to Change in Education

The education landscape has changed drastically over the years, and Dr. Funck has embraced these shifts by adapting and adjusting her teaching methods to fit new technology and industry regulations.

She highlighted three key areas of transformation:

• Technology: Traditional textbooks and in-person lectures have given way to online learning, digital resources, and AI-powered tools.
• Students: Standardized test scores have declined, leading to an increased need for remedial courses. The rise of social media has also impacted students’ attention spans and formal writing skills. Today’s learners prefer interactive, bite-sized content over long lectures.
• Administration: Rising costs and competition for students have changed the way institutions operate. Faculty members now have less decision-making power, and universities are highly under pressure to ensure career success for graduates.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Funck remains motivated, emphasizing that embracing change is essential for educators who want to stay relevant and effective.

"Students walking out the door today who are not being schooled in the tools that are used in the trade – are at a big disadvantage"

Dr. Funck replied when asked about how has technology played a role in her finance courses

The Importance of Finance Education

When asked about the importance of teaching finance concepts, Dr. Funck underscored the importance of financial literacy, both personally and professionally.

• Personal Finance: Understanding wealth management, debt awareness, and retirement planning leads to less stress and a more secure future.
• Career Success: Mastering financial concepts, developing analytical skills, gaining experience with financial technology, and earning certifications (Excel, BMC, SIE) are critical for success in today’s job market.

She also encouraged students to seek real-world experiences through internships and networking opportunities, which help bridge the gap between academics and industry expectations.

Best Practices for Finance Educators

Engaging students in complex financial concepts can be challenging, but Dr. Funck shared some effective strategies:

• Breaking down complex topics into smaller, digestible components before building up to comprehensive problems.
• Repetition— try revisiting earlier concepts throughout the semester.
• Use Excel as a learning tool and to support finance concepts with charts and data.
• Encouraging peer collaboration—teaching others reinforces understanding.
• Providing consistent feedback and real-world case studies to connect theory with practice.

How ExPrep Enhances Learning & Grading Efficiency

As an educator who incorporates Excel heavily into her courses, Dr. Funck emphasized how ExPrep has transformed her classroom experience. She uses ExPrep for:

• Assessments that double as instructional tools, reinforcing learning through guided feedback.
• Immediate grading and feedback, reducing student frustration and encouraging self-directed learning.
• Ensuring academic integrity by detecting inconsistencies in student submissions.

One of the most impactful benefits for Mary has been the time saved on grading. Before implementing ExPrep, she spent an overwhelming amount of time grading assessments, only to find that many students ignored the feedback they received afterward. With automated grading and instant feedback, students are more engaged and willing to correct mistakes in real-time—sometimes even resubmitting low-stakes assignments multiple times to achieve a perfect score.

Dr. Funck’s journey, insights, and passion for education remind us that adaptability, engagement, and the right tools are key to effective teaching. ExPrep is proud to support educators like Dr. Funck who are dedicated to enhancing student learning and improving efficiency in the classroom.

Watch the full webinar here