Addresses effects of monopoly and competition on societal welfare. Discusses inadequacy of economics textbooks. Concludes that most texts fail to explain the shape of monopolists' underlying cost curves. Argues that the monopolist's long run marginal cost curve cannot be obtained by horizontal summation of the long run marginal cost curves of…

Describes the development of a computer tutorial for use in a history of economic ideas class. Discusses choosing topics intended to attract and hold student attention and writing the tutorial text. Recounts steps taken in obtaining student reactions to the tutorial and subsequent adjustments. (SG)

Reviews the development of computer-aided instruction (CAI) and provides criteria for effective CAI on the World Wide Web. Presents an experimental CAI package called "oo Micro!" intended to satisfy those criteria. Describes the package contents and procedures, and provides an Internet address where a demonstration can be found. (DSK)

Managing local environmental resources with moderately enforced government regulations can often be counterproductive, whereas nonbinding communications can be remarkably effective. The authors describe a classroom experiment that illustrates these points. The experiment is rich in its institutional settings and highlights the challenges that…

At Cuyahoga Community College (CCC), the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) for Introductory Macroeconomics Test was evaluated to determine if it was an effective tool for providing credit by examination for the college's Principles of Economics course. Though students at the present time (1991) can take the CLEP to obtain up to 45 credits…

"Econ and Me" is a series of five 15-minute video programs developed for 7- to 10-year-old students, with accompanying programs for their teachers and related print material. Program 1, "Scarcity," and Program 2, "Opportunity Cost," were evaluated in a variety of classroom settings in the United States and Canada in…

The purpose of this study was to locate and evaluate high-school-level economic software compatible with an Apple II or IIe computer. To identify software, computer searches were run, bibliographies were scanned, and reviews were collected. Only software that was recommended by some outside source was included in the evaluation. The following…

The history, organization, and program offerings of the collegiate Centers for Economic Education (affiliated with the Pennsylvania and Joint Councils on Economic Education) are compared with those of the Private Enterprise Market System. The Private Enterprise Market System is a small, Pennsylvania-based center, whose programs are only beginning…

Reports the results of a three-stage evaluation of "Monetary Economics," an undergraduate credit course offered to external or distance students of the University of Queensland in 1979 and 1980. Twenty-eight references are listed. (Author/LLS)

A study examined the assessment methods used to monitor student progress and success in economics degree programs at Coventry Polytechnic (England). Although, in general, little new information was found, conclusions were drawn about the differences between the university and polytechnic and their effects on assessment in this field. (MSE)

Using data on individuals taking principles of economics courses in large lecture rooms, the authors investigate whether a student's seating preference is related to success in the classroom. They find that individuals who prefer to sit near the front of the room have a higher probability of receiving As, whereas those who prefer the back have a…

This paper uses A-Level Information System data to compare academic performance in two subjects often viewed as relatively close substitutes for one another at A-level. The important role of GCSE achievement is confirmed for both subjects. There is evidence of strong gender effects and variation in outcomes across Examination Boards. A…

The authors summarize the results of a survey of 1,365 instructors of advanced placement (AP) economics courses; responses were received from 296 instructors (21.7 percent). The authors discuss the respondents' textbook preferences, graduate and undergraduate backgrounds, teaching experiences, and evaluations of nontextbook teaching materials.

This field report presents an actual case study which illustrates that the natural and social sciences, in this case ecology and economics, can and should be integrated in environmental education and the formulation of public policy. After outlining basic economic approaches for addressing environmental problems, we focus on the process and…

Methods of modifying home economics classes, specifically fashion and clothing design courses, for special needs students are discussed. Discusses the team approach to problem solving, interagency linkage to internship, student involvement, changes to ready-to-wear clothes for special needs, and information resources. (CT)