Presents the lives and careers of Jane Marcet and Harriet Martineau and their contributions to the dissemination and popularization of political economics in early nineteenth-century education. Places their ideas about laissez-faire capitalism in historical context. Stresses the significance of their role as female writers and educators. (CH)

A study investigated Australian students' reasons for choosing an extra year's study (honors) in economics when good employment opportunities were available without the added training. Factors considered include student background, current circumstances, achievement, course structure, perceived demand for honors graduates, opportunity costs, and…

Describes the liberal arts, computer laboratory-based economics program at Denison University (Ohio). Includes as goals helping students to (1) understand deductive arguments, (2) learn to apply theory in real-world situations, and (3) test and modify theory when necessary. Notes that the program combines computer laboratory experiments for…

Examines whether class size in the introductory-level economics course affects subsequent performance in intermediate-level economics courses. Studies University of Massachusetts (Boston) students who are allowed to choose large or small lecture classes. Finds that students enrolled in large sections received lower grades in subsequent…

Describes a class simulation designed to enhance student awareness of social classes in Latin America. Notes that students learn how these groups function within their social and economic milieu. Includes detailed instruction for simulation procedure and roles that students play. Students become aware of inequities, the role of supply and demand,…

Reports that students who might be bored or intimidated by economic geographic theory become enthusiastic when they can apply it to their own experiences. Describes a class project involving fieldwork and in-class analysis on delineating the retail trade area of a small Ohio city. Includes three maps and mathematical formulae for data analysis.…

Reports on study of whether the research agendas of economists who graduate from highly regarded research universities differ from those who graduate from lower-ranked institutions. Finds that, in econometrics, money, international economics, and industrial organization, research topics flow from the elite to the rank-and-file schools; however,…

Reports on a study of learning achievement in economics among five groups of third-grade students using the videotape instructional program, "Econ and Me." Finds that, although students achieved some level of content mastery, the overall results were not as dramatic as had been expected. Calls for further research into transfer of…

Defines groupware and sets up a theoretical justification for its use in teaching. Using the groupware application Forum, shows how groupware can enable electronic discussion that captures the best features of both in-class discussion (dynamic interaction and cooperative learning) and writing assignments (thoughtful insights backed by careful…

Illustrates how a computer software symbolic-processing program can be easily incorporated into an advanced undergraduate microeconomics course. Symbolic-processing programs are relatively sophisticated software packages that combine numeric, symbolic, and graphic computation in a single unified computing environment. Includes examples of…

Uses the various strategies involved in baseball to illustrate basic concepts in game theory. Specifically discusses Willie Mays' base-stealing strategy and how it relates to probability and risk. Reminds students that expected results depend on adopted assumptions. (MJP)

Describes a yearlong sophomore course called Environmental Issues that combines economics, science, government, and technology through classroom projects and community activities. The course evolved into an international network among six schools called The 21st Century Schoolhouse, in which students collaborate on projects with students from…

Explains that technology allows teachers access to instructional materials for teaching economic concepts in the elementary classroom. Describes "Virtual Economics: An Interactive Center for Economics Education" that is a multimedia resource CD-ROM consisting of a center for economic education and a resource library and provides four web…

Describes the "Teaching and Learning Website Seminar" held at Ball State University (Indiana) that encourages teachers to review state and national economics content standards and to use technology to augment economics lessons. Provides an example of an online lesson plan created at the seminar called "Why Do Some Beanie Babies Cost…

The curriculum in Great Britain should reflect societal concerns and changes and engender positive characteristics to help people both to cope with and to shape changes in their own lives. All secondary students should be required to spend at least two years in some kind of vocational study or community service. (RM)