Reiterates the case for adopting a proficiencies approach to instruction and learning in the economics major. Lists five proficiencies and discusses the emphasis given to these proficiencies with top economics undergraduates at two major research universities. (RLH)

Comments on the new National Council on Economic Education standards and calls for more clarification and detail as well as additional standards. Argues that the almost-exclusive focus on principles-based standards ignores that need for explicit skill standards. Discusses possible difficulties for social studies teachers not trained in economics.…

Practical guidelines for implementing course evaluation systems are suggested. A model to conceptualize course evaluations in the context of the professor's decision-making framework is developed with focus centering upon the allocation of time between teaching and research. Costs and benefits associated with collecting evaluations are considered.…

This is a short annotated list of inexpensive and accessible books designed to be helpful to both new and experienced teachers. Included are selected readings on teaching, the teaching of economics, and research on teaching economics. (SM)

Advocates the supplemental use of trade books with textbooks in introductory economics courses. States that students will learn how economists approach economic issues in the real world, building upon the organized textbook presentation of material. Acknowledging that textbooks are essential to instruction, Hansen lists several appropriate works…

Discusses the Committee on Economic Education's efforts to enhance college economics instruction and facilitate research on instruction in economics. Examines its affiliation with groups such as the Joint Council on Economic Education in promoting economics education at all levels and initiating new research programs. Summarizes important progress…

Evaluates the Joint Council on Economic Education (JCEE) commitment to strengthening the Developmental Economic Education Program (DEEP). Suggests which future studies would be most valuable and which kinds of research tools and programs might be required to fulfill the objectives of DEEP. (BSR)

In this college level economics exercise, students at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) learned about the concepts of demand and price setting through a real world experience. They studied and analyzed a service provided by the Wisconsin Student Association which sells students subscriptions to lecture notes for large lecture courses. (RM)

Identifies problems associated with having recent PhDs introduce college students to economics, gives the history of a Teacher Training Program intended to alleviate these problems, describes materials developed for use in training college teachers of economics, and suggests teaching methods. (Author/DB)

Successful classroom discussions in economics courses require careful planning. Planning involves five steps: defining course goals, choosing materials, preparing questions to guide the discussion, planning the mechanics of the discussion, and defining the responsibilities and evaluating the performance of discussion leaders. Includes follow-up…

The use of undergraduate grade point averages and Quantitative Graduate Record Examination as predictors of economics graduate grade point averages was improved by introducing a School Quality Index," yielding multiple correlation coefficients of up to .50. (IM)

Describes a college-level intensive writing course in economics designed to improve writing skills and enhance learning. Reports highly favorable attitudes from the students and the instructor. Asserts that the intensive writing course could more clearly meet the needs of economics majors. (CFR)