The authors of this article propose a simple exercise of monopoly pricing to illustrate complex theoretical results on the welfare effects of group pricing. By exposing students to this exercise, they aim to bridge a gap between the standard textbook analysis of group pricing and more general results in the literature and clarify some students'…

There is a well-known connection between the barriers to entry created by an overburdensome regulatory climate and lower levels of productivity that create less economic growth. Many economics students are under the impression that regulations are designed to protect the workers and consumers as well as improve product quality, so they are often…

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) is the central bank of the United States. It has a congressional mandate to promote maximum sustainable employment and price stability. In normal times, the Fed seeks to achieve this mandate by setting the position or "stance" of monetary policy, primarily by managing the level of short-term interest rates.…

The authors present details of a research-based course in development economics taught at a private liberal arts college. There were three key elements in this class: teaching of applied econometrics, group presentations reviewing published and working papers in development economics, and using concepts taught in class to write an original…

Offers a revision exercise intended to remind students of some economic terminology associated with taxation and welfare. Provides a set of definitions for which students are to supply matching terms. Includes an answer list and suggests related exercises. (SG)

In this humorous dialogue that can be read and acted out as a play in high school economics classes, Karl Marx, a spokesman for communism, and Adam Smith, the father of capitalism, debate (1) whether an economy should produce designer jeans and (2) who should own McDonald's restaurant. (RM)

Presents a review exercise requiring students to sort diagrams and descriptions of price elasticity of demand. Reports that students are given jumbled diagrams and explanations that they must arrange in proper form. Reveals that some items are designed as distractors. (SG)

Presents a lesson designed for secondary economics classes. Students role play adults in selected occupations, create personal budgets, and make investment and savings decisions. Student directions and questions are included. (CFR)

Presents a case study classroom exercise using the theme of price/non-price competition and based on a poster advertisement of the Eurotunnel. Recommends this exercise for use with fourth year General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Suggests the follow-up activities of class discussion and designing an advertising campaign. (KO)

Discusses the advantages of using the stock market to add new dimensions to social studies classes. Suggests that changes in society will make knowledge of financial markets essential for students. Includes two lesson plans with handouts that use the Disney company and changes in the operation of the stock market to capture student interest. (DK)

Presents a case study of a dry cleaning firm that can be used as a classroom activity. Provides a 12-question exercise based upon data collected. Activities are designed for both individuals and groups. (KO)

For several years, advocacy groups have recognized the need to strengthen financial education in the K-12 schools. Current statistics support their concerns. Financial illiteracy in the United States is astoundingly high. From 1992 to 2000, disposable personal income for Americans rose by 47 percent, but personal spending rose by 61 percent. In…

Analyzes data from the National Assessment of Economic Education Survey using data envelopment analysis. Determines whether high school economics classes in the Developmental Economic Education Program (DEEP) produce higher achievement levels than non-DEEP classes. Calculates technical efficiency of DEEP and non-DEEP classes. Reports results…

Presents an economics terminology puzzle based on economic factors and vocabulary. Requires students to recall economic terms and subsequently apply these terms to economic concepts. Provides an answer key. (CFR)

Presents a classroom activity in which students work in groups to develop a national budget. Requires students to consider economic factors such as inflation, unemployment, and taxation. Includes charts and a national budget work sheet. (CFR)