Maintains the status of economics is falling. Fewer students, low returns on econometric models, and over-certain economic predictions resulting from inappropriate scientific methodology are seen as indicators of the fall. More attention needs to be given in teaching the sources, use and abuse of economic data, and in social science methodology.…

Presents an outline map of Great Britain which shows the "assisted areas" as defined by the Department of Trade and Industry. Reviews the types of assistance provided, which range from grants available for both service and manufacturing industries to create or safeguard employment to funds for capital expenditure. (JDH)

Reports the results of a research project, conducted between 1980 and 1984, which investigated the amount of change in students' attitudes toward economic issues resulting from exposure to a two-year "A" level economics course. A copy of the attitude assessment instrument is provided. (JDH)

Discusses the way in which safety is measured in commercial terms. Focuses on costs, in time and money, of repair after an accident, the implied value of life such estimates carry, and the necessity to equalize the marginal costs of equivalent benefits. (AEM)

Floating exchange rates have not lived up to all expectations, but neither have they performed as badly as some critics have suggested. Examined are the impact of floating rates on balance of payments adjustment, domestic economic policy, and inflation and the claim that floating rates have displayed excessive fluctuations. (Author/RM)

Few of the popular British economics textbooks make more than passing mention of finance houses. The role of finance houses in the British economy is reviewed. (Author/RM)

Presents a classroom exercise which illustrates consumer equilibrium, the equimarginal principle, indifference curves, and income and substitution effects. States that students gain a better consumer equilibrium by linking together these elements of economic analysis. (GEA)

Considers two alternative views of competition found in the economics literature. The author demonstrates that these alternative views of competition underlie alternative views in other areas of economics, including welfare economics and micro-economic policy. Implications for college students and teachers are examined. (Author/AM)

Contends that a realistic approach to teaching economics requires learning about trade unions. Presents a role play of a trade union meeting that helps students think about how trade unions tackle problems. (BSR)

Explains how teachers of economics on the college level can use concepts such as the Retail Price Index to illustrate key features of economics. Practical exercises and sample questions are included. (Author/DB)

Presents a compelling argument refuting Ian Pearce's eclectic approach to economic awareness. Focuses on three questions: (1) what is the purpose of economic awareness; (2) what does economic awareness entail for the classroom; and (3) what view of economics does the Ian Pearce's approach convey? Offers five reasons for rejecting the eclectic…

The economics content of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examination, which replaces the current level "O" exams in 1988, is described in five versions being proposed by different regions of the United Kingdom. The make-up of the items, a full listing of assessment objectives, brief syllabi, and addresses of the…

Reviews of 10 recent books and one new journal ("Catalyst: A Journal of Policy Debate") are provided. Topics of the books reviewed include: economics in modern Britain, world economics, the mixed economy, Milton Friedman's thought, British industry, economic issues, and London as a financial center. (JDH)

Defines various aspects of productivity and indicates appropriate ways of measuring them. The author explains how productivity ratios can be used to evaluate both the technical and allocative efficiency of economic systems. The use of productivity analysis in growth accounting is also examined. (Author/RM)

Discusses the state of the Soviet economy during the period of perestroika. Includes the level of output, rate of inflation, privatization, and proposals for economic reform. Assesses the stabilization program and possibilities of restructuring. Concludes that neither Mikhail Gorbachev nor perestroika are likely to survive the trials of inflation,…