This study focused on the improvement of traditional two-way communication processes in correspondence education through variations on the uses of postal communications, reinforcing the feedback sent by mail with systematic telephone calls, and combinations of mail and face-to-face contacts; the primary focus was correspondence education combined…

Inservice teacher training in economics improved the achievement scores of participating teachers and their students. In addition, as their achievement scores improved, both teachers and students developed more positive opinions about economics. (Author/RM)

This study examined salary data for 2,181 college faculty in the field of general home economics for both public and private institutions for the years 1995-1996 and 1998-1999. The study reflects data obtained from the 279 public and 386 private institutions that participated in both study years. The study found that the average faculty salary in…

An empirical investigation of the optimum amount of teacher intervention in experience-based education was conducted. Teachers trained in the Mini-Society Instructional System kept journals of their roles and students' roles. It was concluded that nonintervention was the most effective teaching strategy. (Author/MH)

Presents the results of a study that measured the efficacy of an international economics simulation among undergraduates. The simulation consisted of a macroeconomics game where students develop economic policies for four hypothetical countries. A multiple choice test and posttest questionnaire suggests that classroom games are more effective than…

Analyzing Test of Economic Literacy (TEL) scores, examines how extent of teacher course work influences student achievement. Concludes student learning improves when instructors had a minimum of four economics courses. States results are most significant in teaching macroeconomics with implications for citizenship education. (CH)

Studies how training in economic education affects teacher optimism concerning the future of the U.S. economic system. Finds that economic education increases teacher optimism. Supports the hypothesis that degree-based and nondegree-based training have different impacts with higher optimism found in the degree-based training. (GG)

Examines the organization of the extended project that is part of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) A Level Business Studies examination. Provides a timetable for implementing the project. Includes student evaluations of the project. (LS)

Investigates the effects on multiple choice test performance of altering the order and placement of questions and responses. Shows that changing the response pattern appears to alter significantly the apparent degree of difficulty. Response patterns become more dissimilar under certain types of response alterations. (LS)

Reports on a study of efforts by 76 college economics departments to assess faculty teaching effectiveness. Discusses four assessment methods: (1) classroom visits; (2) teaching materials; (3) formal follow-up; and (4) informal soundings. Concludes that many feel uncomfortable with the evaluation process. (CFR)

A study of 323 first-year college students enrolled in an introductory economics course investigated relationships between course grades, Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, gender, and continued economics study beyond the first course. Results suggest females, already underrepresented in the introductory course, persist in smaller proportions than…

Contends that empirical research using laboratory experimental economics has flourished during the past decade. Discusses how two practitioners of experimental economics integrated their research interests into undergraduate economics education. Describes three computerized exercises and includes samples of student handouts and activities. (CFR)

Differences related to formal reasoning abilities were studied with 227 12th graders in different sections (science, economics, and a unified section of common mathematics and science curricula) of four schools in Cyprus. Observed achievement differences did not correspond to differences found with cognitive measures. Results cast doubt on the…

A study was conducted at Scottsdale and Paradise Valley community colleges to assess the importance of math for the study of economic principles and the extent to which a student's math background determines performance in micro- and macro-economic courses. Students (N=156) from six economic principles classes were surveyed regarding their high…

This paper describes the results of a study done as part of a research program investigating the use of computer-based laboratories to support self-paced discovery learning in related to microeconomics, electricity, and light refraction. Program objectives include maximizing the laboratories' effectiveness in helping students learn content…