Argues for integrating heterodox economic theory into mainstream economics education. Uses the example of an integrated economic program at Dickinson College (Pennsylvania) to illustrate benefits. Describes components and methodology of the program. Sees positive outcomes for students, faculty, and the discipline. Includes course description,…

Presents rankings of U.S., university, economics departments. Explains the rankings are based upon representation of the departments on the editorial boards of leading economics journals. Reports that results are similar to rankings based upon other criteria. (DK)

Reports on a study of efforts by 76 college economics departments to assess faculty teaching effectiveness. Discusses four assessment methods: (1) classroom visits; (2) teaching materials; (3) formal follow-up; and (4) informal soundings. Concludes that many feel uncomfortable with the evaluation process. (CFR)

Contends that the Commission on Graduate Education in Economics report addresses issues related to doctoral programs but does not provide information on master's degree programs. Reports on a study of 123 colleges offering master's degrees in economics. Finds a surprising lack of variation among the programs. (CFR)

Reports on a survey of 32 colleges and universities on changes in undergraduate comparative economic programs since the collapse of the Soviet Union and centralized socialism. Finds that most institutions maintained the course with significant modifications in course content and approach. (CFR)

Compares economics major programs located in liberal arts colleges with those in business schools. Includes hours, course requirements, class sizes, and student characteristics. Concludes that although the majority of economics major programs are located administratively in liberal arts colleges, location has little effect on the curriculum in…

Presents results of a study using a switching regression model to correct for biases in assessing the gain in economic knowledge from high school economic courses. Explains that regressors used included geometry, civics, female, African-American, college, twelfth, and dummy variables. Reports substantial differences between students who elect…

Reports on a study of the impact of student evaluations of higher education economics instructors on faculty behavior and grades. Finds that initially grades increased but then declined over a nine-year period. Recommends further research on this issue. (CFR)

Contends that there is widespread concern that graduate programs in economics do not train students adequately to do economics. Reports that little emphasis is placed on problem-solving skills or creativity. (CFR)

Contends that empirical research using laboratory experimental economics has flourished during the past decade. Discusses how two practitioners of experimental economics integrated their research interests into undergraduate economics education. Describes three computerized exercises and includes samples of student handouts and activities. (CFR)

Asserts that the computerized stock market simulation described by Williams and Walker is complex and a better approach to teaching financial economics. Describes a noncomputerized version of the same teaching activity used to teach asset valuation to undergraduate financial economics students. (CFR)

Reports on college-level microeconomic classes to compare learning in short-term intensive course with traditional semester-length course. Found students in three-week courses performed better on achievement tests than those in traditional semester courses but this advantage disappeared when knowledge retention was measured. Raises policy…

Reports on study of whether the research agendas of economists who graduate from highly regarded research universities differ from those who graduate from lower-ranked institutions. Finds that, in econometrics, money, international economics, and industrial organization, research topics flow from the elite to the rank-and-file schools; however,…

Asserts that a possible avenue for achieving national goals for undergraduate education lies in the application of total quality management (TQM) principles to teaching and learning. Discusses the TQM approach in industry and presents a TQM teaching/learning model in which the student is perceived as a customer. (CFR)

Maintains that economic research recently has been characterized by the development of increasingly sophisticated models of economics learning. Recommends that further application of the Survey on Economic Attitudes include factor analysis as an alternative approach to gain additional insights into affective economics learning. (CFR)