The authors of this article propose a simple exercise of monopoly pricing to illustrate complex theoretical results on the welfare effects of group pricing. By exposing students to this exercise, they aim to bridge a gap between the standard textbook analysis of group pricing and more general results in the literature and clarify some students'…

A summer workshop was offered to inner-city high school students to explore the sustainability of their consumer choices using a systems thinking model. Students learned about related environmental or health issues due to the manufacturing, use, or disposal of common household products. Then, in the laboratory, they performed experiments to…

This paper reflects on how a 'sense of belonging' is cultivated for both the teaching team and the students in a large, core first year Business unit. In the Innovative Business Practice (IBP) unit students develop their personal brand and professional identity through strength-based science, and also pitch creative solutions to social problems.…

A learning experience is described for upper elementary or junior high students involving the manufacture, transportation, and marketing of a product for consumers. Steps are given and roles are assigned for students to convert raw material (paper) to a finished product (paper airplanes) and to sell it. (AV)

Describes a six-week economics project for high school students. Suggests teaching consumer economics by having students pretend they are broke and out on their own. Discusses activities, materials, and student essays demonstrating the use and understanding of basic consumer terminology, credit, insurance, budgeting, and housing. (DK)

Outlines a unit of instruction on credit card usage that would allow young students to research what credit, reputation, and trust are; examine contract and monthly statement terminology; investigate the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards; and begin to think critically about the use of credit cards. (FL)

Proposes strategies and activities for use by elementary school social studies classroom teachers as they develop and implement consumer education programs. Guidelines include defining the problem, identifying goals, considering alternatives, analyzing consequences, and selecting a solution in terms of goals. (Author/DB)

One word was selected for each letter of the alphabet and used to develop a learning activity for teaching consumer education at the high school level. In addition to the word on which the activity is based, other words for each letter are listed which may suggest activities. Ten of the sheets are designed to be duplicated for student use. The…

This newsletter, published monthly from September through May, keeps teachers informed about new learning resources in consumer education, as well as the latest projects and developments in the field. This issue contains a lead article on development of valuing skills in consumer economics. The major portion of the newsletter consists of three…

Children's learning of consumer economics concepts in two types of preschool teaching conditions was compared. Children in the Ausubelian program (high proportion of teacher-directed learning activities) achieved a significantly higher level of performance than did children in the Piagetian program (high proportion of child-directed activities.)…

Instructional units in economics developed by classroom teachers for use in grades K-12 are presented. Units are organized in two major sections--Personal and Family Financial Planning and Consumer Economics. The first section contains five units. Topics are: (1) Comparison Shopping, grade 12; (2) Teenage Buying Habits, grade 11; (3) Career…

Suggestions are given for ways to help students sharpen their mathematical skills and clarify the value systems that underlie their present and future consumer decisions. Focuses on determining costs, solving household problems involving measurement, reading and interpreting graphs and tables, and using concepts of average and percent. (MP)

Presents 13 active-learning activities designed for use in consumer behavior courses. The exercises involve students in brief activities, such as analysis of persuasion techniques in advertising, and follow-up discussion. Reports that students found the exercises enjoyable and worthwhile. (CFR)

Recommends reviewing the 1958 debate between P. A. Samuelson and J. R. Minasian over the controversy involving tax-financed television versus pay-TV. This exercise is a lively way to introduce students to the issue of exclusionary devices for public goods. Includes graphical analysis and excerpts from the original debates. (MJP)