In this article, we discuss the development of online courses in higher education in terms of the in- structional quality and economic costs. In our conceptual analysis, we point out problems in developing online courses with sufficient quality due to limited funds being made available for online course development. Moreover, economic costs exist…

This article outlines the recently developed idea of "Threshold Concepts" and explains how this idea may be used to describe the progress of learning in economics. The authors examine the relationship between threshold concepts, key concepts and conceptual change and suggest that a distinction between basic, discipline and procedural…

Reviews nine books, published between 1981 and 1984, which focus on various aspects of the relationship between law and economics. Maintains that taken together, these works provide a higher intellectual plateau from which the field of law and economics can continue to grow. (JDH)

Considers two alternative views of competition found in the economics literature. The author demonstrates that these alternative views of competition underlie alternative views in other areas of economics, including welfare economics and micro-economic policy. Implications for college students and teachers are examined. (Author/AM)

Explains why an econometric practice introduced by J.C. Soper cannot eliminate the problems caused by multicollinearity. The author suggests that it can be a useful technique in that it forces researchers to pay more attention to the specifications of their models. (AM)

Attempts to clarify the concepts of, and the link between, fixed costs and sunk costs. Argues that the root of confusion is the inconsistency in defining the term fixed costs. Consistently defines fixed and sunk costs, and describes how instructors must teach under these definitions. (RLH)

The use of computer-based automated assignment systems in economics has expanded significantly in recent years. The most widely used system is Aplia which was developed by Paul Romer in 2000. Aplia is a computer application designed to replace traditional paper-based assignments in economics. The main features of Aplia are: (1) interactive content…

This paper describes the method of assessing the outcomes of students' training in the Economics of Health Care course at the Albany College of Pharmacy (ACP). The following sections will: (1) describe the course and the various techniques that were used to ensure that the course outcomes were achieved, (2) explore the literature on assessment…

The author advocates the application of experiential learning in economics courses at the tertiary level. The author evaluates a range of learning methods, both passive and active, in a student survey that provides data on undergraduate attitudes to various class activities. The results indicate a clear student preference for learning activities…

Contends the downward-sloping aggregate demand curve is a simple and effective tool for analyzing factors that influence activity in the economy. Develops arguments against claims that other factors distort the reliability of the downward-sloping aggregate demand curve. States that textbooks should continue using this concept. (RKM)

The field of home economics has generally been neglected within the literature focused on women, feminism, and education. Data concerning gender equity often measure women's achievements by their inroads into fields formerly dominated by men. (MT)

Maintains that the Aba P. Lerner alternative for calculating arc elasticity is superior to the commonly used mean prices and quantities method typically used in intermediate microeconomics courses. (JDH)

Demonstrates a simple and useful way to compare the elasticity of demand at each price (or quantity) for different demand curves. The technique is particularly useful for the intermediate microeconomic course. (Author)

Describes nine experiments designed to illustrate different applied statistical problems or econometric techniques suitable for the first course in econometrics. Additional information and computer programs are available from the authors. (Author/RM)

Intended as an aid to college level economics teachers, this article traces the theoretical development of the accelerator principle, as applied to investment theory. It also reviews the many investment theories that have utilized the accelerator principle for empirical testing and summarizes some of their findings. (Author/RM)