Empirical evidence analyzed indicates that achievement of college students in economics is predicted by age, student ability, and quality of instruction. Their attitudes towards economics are explained by several socioeconomic variables, the students' perceptions of the quality of instruction, and the changes in the students' expected grades.…

The teaching of economics at the preservice and inservice levels needs to be intensified. The author explains an approach he uses in teacher education workshops to explain and clarify basic economic concepts. (RM)

Discusses four areas needing attention as the New York State Education Department begins the revision of the secondary-school social studies program. They are teaching local and state history, developing economic literacy, stressing the importance of a global perspective, and learning the values of civic responsibility. (RM)

Economics and business major programs were surveyed from 1980-81. Results indicate the number, general characteristics, major prerequisites, major requirements, and course offerings of standard economics programs. Results report the general characteristics, major prerequisites, and major requirements of business economics programs. (AM)

A study comparing Open University (OU) and conventional university (CU) student performance in economics shows OU students even with CU students in microeconomics and higher in macroeconomics. The research was controlled for both test-wiseness, previous experience, and representativeness of OU students. (MSE)

Evaluates role played by the periodical "Economics" in the rise of economics study in English schools since the second World War. Topics discussed include membership in the Economics Association, contribution to the journal by school teachers, and the relationship of the boom in economics study to the general interest in social sciences. (DB)

Examined the impact of job-related and personal characteristics on the self-concept of college faculty in home economics, a traditionally female field. Results indicated both male and female faculty saw themselves as assertive, creative, and intelligent. Women saw their jobs as requiring them to be more competent. (Author/JAC)

A computer program written in BASIC designed to simulate the activities of businesses in a marketplace where several car companies compete is provided. The educational uses of this program in an eighth-grade consumer economics class are highlighted. (MP)

P.R.A.I.S.E. (Positive Reinforcement and Individualized Systematic Economics) is a multifaceted money system which utilizes positive and negative reinforcement and, at the same time, incorporates peer pressure and reinforcement for behavior modification. The system motivates, relates closely to life situations, and can be applied to all areas of…

Summarizes research studies on three topics related to high-school economics: (1) instruction, (2) attitudes, and (3) student achievement correlates. Concludes that findings are mixed with no clear patterns to direct economics education. (DC)

This article presents ideas for simulation activities through which home economics students can experience age-related changes. In these activities, students are physically impaired by using a variety of devices and materials and then are required to complete common day-to-day tasks. (CT)

A study of the interactive effects of achievement anxiety, academic achievement, and instructional mode on performance and course attitudes found evidence that for the students with low cumulative point-hour ratios and initially high anxiety, the television lecture-supervised laboratory mode provided a more facilitating learning environment. (LRA)

A review of "Elementary, My Dear Apple," a commercial software package for the Apple II microcomputer. The package contains four computer programs which present elementary-level spelling, math, and economics learning activities in game-like formats. (SJL)

Describes a study comparing a conventional textbook/lecture teaching method and a teaching method based on current event readings with lectures and class discussions. The study sought to show whether improvement in students' understanding of economics was influenced by teaching method and selected characteristics of students and teachers. (AYC)

Agricultural Extension Service Agents perceive the greatest influence upon their programs to come from their client group, county extension councils, and college administrations, respectively. Agricultural agents see research faculty as having an important influence; 4-H and home economics agents feel research staff should be more influential.…