Examines the factors which influenced learning of economics content among 511 sixth-grade students. Results showed that the student's general ability level, the emphasis given to social studies in the curriculum, and previous exposure to economics were the most important factors influencing economics learning. (JDH)

Reports a quasi-experimental study involving an objective test that was intentionally mis-scored on the copies of the exam returned to students. Results showed that not all perceived errors were reported and that the decision to report errors appeared dependent on whether reporting was to the benefit of the student. (Author/JDH)

The principle of the multiplier-accelerator interaction is explained, and how a computer program to model it can be developed is shown. A series of simulations that can be used to explore the model's behavior are suggested. The simulations can be used in college-level economics classes. (Author/RM)

The Survey on Economic Attitudes (SEA), which consists of two affective domain instruments for measuring student attitudes toward economics and their relative economic attitude sophistication, was found to be valid and reliable. Uses and limitations of the SEA are also discussed. The survey is included in the article's appendix. (Author/RM)

After completing an introductory economics course, college students living in what are judged to be adverse environments had lower levels of economic knowledge than students living in other residences. Also, students who had taken high school economics achieved significantly lower grades than those without the high school course. (RM)

A method for determining the cost function for computer-assisted programed instruction is described. The teaching process modelled consists of students working at self-paced programed instruction and receiving immediate feedback provided by a computer and an instructor. The instructor is available for clarification and discussion at an individual…

An evaluation of a traditional developmental economics education program (DEEP), K-12, over a three-year period indicated that the DEEP process of inservice training and curriculum change can result in significant increases in levels of student economic understanding. However, increased understanding may not always occur during the first or second…

Most educators agree that the story of the evolution of money and banking in the United States includes many historical events that have been crucial to the nation's development. This collection of materials consists of a video, a related brochure, and a series of lesson plans about the Federal Reserve. The video provides a 14-minute introduction…

This lesson plan introduces students to the concept of supply and demand by appealing to bodily/kinesthetic intelligences. Students participate in a fitness class and then analyze the economic motives behind making an individual feel better after a fitness activity; i.e., analyzing how much an individual would pay for a drink and snack after a…

Financial education is essential, yet on average, adults scored 57 percent on basic economic knowledge, according to the "Standards in Economics Survey" conducted in 1999 for the National Council on Economic Education. The Community Affairs Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland surveyed financial institutions and community…

This book opens with an exploration of the fundamental trilogy of economics - scarcity, choice, and cost. Students then examine the broad social goals of an economy in preparation for lessons treating many topics new to the precollege level such as the stock market, public choice, and aggregate supply and demand. The set of 20 lessons include: (1)…

This grade 12 lesson provides students with an understanding of real world investing and of the effects of day to day decisions on their financial futures. The lesson is based on a fictitious situation in which a financial management consultant (the student) must help a new widow with young children put her finances in order after her husband's…

Interest rates can significantly influence people's behavior. When rates decline, homeowners rush to buy new homes and refinance old mortgages; automobile buyers scramble to buy new cars; the stock market soars, and people tend to feel more optimistic about the future. But even though individuals respond to changes in rates, they may not fully…

Many generalizations sound simple enough--for example, "strong is good, weak is bad"--but they can be confusing when talking about money. This booklet explores how the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies affect each other and how their interaction affects the individual and the economy. The booklet contains the following sections:…

Middle school students enjoy personal finance because it involves making decisions about their lives, both in the present and in the future. This teacher's guide and student workouts package consists of 17 economics lessons for students at grades 6-8 that are divided into 5 theme areas: the economic way of thinking; earning an income; saving;…