How Do We Use Readings Beyond the Textbook? Survey Results and Examples
Paper Session
Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM (EST)
- Chair: Sam Allgood, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
“Provide a Complete, Concise Economic Analysis of the Following Article…” Using outside Readings to Train Students to Answer a Single Question.
Abstract
Outside readings are commonly assigned in economics. Most readings can be categorized as falling between two poles: academic readings or entertainment reading. Journal articles tend toward the former, while readings popular with general audiences like Freakonomics tend toward the latter. Between the two extremes lies reality readings: current events. This paper discusses the extensive use and analysis of real-world situations as the core construct on which to build a course in principles of microeconomics. The paper details course content and assignments, including a discussion of grading strategies.Primary Sources and Pop Economics: Building a Course around outside Readings
Abstract
TBDTeaching Controversial Topics in Economics Using a Jigsaw Literature Review Activity
Abstract
We present a “jigsaw literature review” classroom activity that engages students in the economics literature by exposing them to multiple viewpoints or approaches to study the same research question (e.g., how does the minimum wage affect employment?). The activity also has students synthesize their own opinions on the literature rather than just accepting a summary or viewpoint from the instructor. We describe how to conduct this activity in economics courses, providing examples and resources from courses including labor economics, public economics, urban economics, health economics, and econometrics. We then use student surveys to evaluate how these activities went and to what extent they achieved student learning outcomes.Prepping for a Proposal - Using Journal Articles in a Labor Economics Course
Abstract
TBDEconomics Ripped from the Headlines: The Economist as Course Text
Abstract
TDBTeaching Students to Read Journal Articles Critically
Abstract
TBDLaying the Groundwork for In-Class Group Work with Readings beyond the Textbook
Abstract
This paper describes individual pre-class and group in-class assignments based on current news articles. Guided student pre-class readings of periodical articles on economic phenomena can form the basis for engaging in-class group assignments. Many economics instructors seek to develop student skill at applying the concepts under study to analyze current events but news articles can be difficult for novices because the economic content is often misconstrued by journalists and is nearly always presented along with many extraneous details. Assigning short essay questions with the readings can both hold students accountable for doing the reading and help students identify the economic content and begin to analyze the events described. The complexity of event analysis based on news article readings makes these readings excellent material for engaging students in in-class group assignments that build on the individual student preparation.JEL Classifications
- A2 - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics