Describes an exercise where students play the roles of various ministers advising the president in the resolution of macroeconomic problems that arise with a natural resource boon. Provides a framework for role playing that has applications beyond this issue. Includes results of students' evaluation of the exercise. (MJP)

Criticizes the standard presentation, in introductory economics, of the burden of a tax as an application of elasticity. Argues that using the slopes of a supply and demand curve is the simplest and easiest way to clarify tax incidence. Includes three graphs illustrating this approach. (MJP)

Briefly reviews the declining enrollment rates for undergraduate economics majors. Observes that after record enrollments during the 1980s, interest in a bachelor's economics degree dropped sharply in the 1990s. Discusses possible reasons for this decline and provides statistics. (MJP)

Postulates five reasons for declining undergraduate enrollment in economics including corresponding decline in business enrollment; slowdown in financial services; competition from other subjects; decline in student academic skills; and a decline in faculty teaching skills. Discusses strengths and weaknesses of each argument. (MJP)

Presents the results of a study suggesting that economic knowledge, whether measured by a general score or knowledge of a particular issue, is the most consistent and influential factor affecting public opinion. Surveyed a broad range of participants concerning five complex issues of economic policy. Includes questions, tables, and statistics.…

A study of 90 first-year business students at the National University of Lesotho investigated predictors of academic success. Of 29 student characteristics or attributes considered, educational attainment at the secondary level, communication skills, understanding of introductory economics, introductory instruction in law and legal method, and…

Using a standard economics course as a control group, tests the relative effectiveness of "Economics U$A," a telecourse on student achievement and attitudes in both on-campus and off-campus settings. Concludes that the telecourse can be used successfully in nontraditional courses, and that delivery format may have an impact on student…

Lesson plans include an application by James D. Laney for teaching the concept of economic scarcity to first graders, and an activity requiring seventh graders to report on the origins of Texas towns by Pat Hazlett. Glenda Hayes and the Center for Civic Education offer activities for U.S. history, U.S. government, and world history. (LS)

Discusses the need for teaching about global interdependence. Points out that nearly every dimension of life in the United States shows proliferating connections to other nations. Describes techniques for finding global links and appreciating their importance. Notes that information emanating from the school will increase general knowledge…

Reports on a study of student academic performance among 1,314 first-year business students at a technical university in Singapore. Concludes that older students, students with prior economic course experience, male students, and ethnic Chinese students performed better than their counterparts. (CFR)

Argues that the role of economic reasoning can provide a powerful tool for understanding U.S. history. Lists six principles that articulate important aspects of economic reasoning that can be used in teaching U.S. history. Uses the Homestead Act of 1862 to illustrate how these principles can be used in the classroom. (CFR)

Argues that students seldom understand the history of U.S. popular culture, although such cultural attributes as shopping malls and advertising can be used to teach economic and historical understanding. Presents a model that indicates the interrelationship between U.S. popular culture and economic concepts. (CFR)

Presents results of a study examining gender differences in measures of academic aptitude and achievement that predict persistence in introductory economics courses. Concludes that females need more validation than male students to persist in the study of economics. Suggests that the need for female students to overcome classroom climate may…

Advocates developing Soviet secondary students' understanding of economics, conservation consciousness, and practical skills. Outlines several rural programs that involve students on collective farms and in school activities that promote these skills. Recommends teachers and youth organization leaders accommodate student age differences and…

Describes the relationship and interdependence of environmental education and economic and industrial themes. Explores the need for these themes to be linked when introduced into school curricula and the extent to which this is happening within the National Curriculum of England and Wales. Suggests ways to enhance this integrated approach. (22…