How to Teach Economics

Teaching economics

Teaching economics is a challenge for any teacher. It is a complex subject that must be made tangible to students. It is also necessary that students understand the everyday importance of economics and how it relates to their lives. To do this, teachers must present a variety of lessons that capture students' attention, in addition to textbook reading and class lectures. The instruction must also be relevant to the students. The topic of economics must be clearly defined, and classroom simulations should be introduced for hands-on learning.

Things You'll Need

• Economics lesson plans
• Economics textbook
• Financial newspapers or magazines

Instructions

Teaching Economics

1. 

   Economics for the classroom

   State the definition of economics and the course goals. Make concepts such as supply and demand simple. Encourage students to come up with real-life examples before moving forward in the lesson.

2. 

   Use classroom simulations

   Research lesson plans for economics. Include lessons that encourage students to actively participate in class. For example, to show the distribution of wealth in the United States, a musical-chairs type of simulation can be used.

3. 

   Reading the economics textbook

   Require textbook reading. Students will still need to study on their own to understand economic concepts. Assign short sections of the text, along with vocabulary or outlined notes. Teaching small units of information at a time allows students to fully understand complex topics.

4. 

   Newspaper subscription

   Order a class subscription to financial newspapers or magazines. Encourage students to keep up with current economic events. Review current events such as stock market trends or banking articles with the class so that the students comprehend up-to-date happenings.

5. 

   Economics research

   Assign research topics based on current events in economics, such as what's happening in the stock market or international trade. By looking in-depth into an economic feature, students will understand the larger picture and global connections.

Tips & Warnings

• Teach economic concepts in small units.

• Use active classroom simulations.

• Do not overwhelm students with economic concepts.

References

• ERIC Digests: Teaching and Learning Economics
• Teaching Economics As If People Mattered: Lesson Plans
• Dollars & Sense: High-School Economics

Resources

• University of North Carolina Economics Interactive: General Classroom Techniques