Cantu, Chapter 10

In this chapter, Cantu discusses the teaching of economics to our students. Econ has always been grouped as one of the more "dismal" sciences (Cantu, 10) but we have come to learn that educating oneself about the economy positively impacts an individual on so many levels. According to economists, it is important to teach students about the economy and finances and like in order to ensure their ability to make well-informed decisions that will effect their own financial success. Studying the economy also allows us to get a more in-depth analysis of other topics that we might find in history because a lot of major decisions have been made as a direct result of the economy. For example, the Great Depression which began in America in 1929 is definitely teeming with economic factors including credit and micro and macro lenses.

I think that economics is a vital part of the curriculum simply because it directly impacts everyone. Even more-so than a traditional math class; a student's economics course, especially in high school, will help them make it outside of the walls of the school by teaching them how to create and manage a budget, how to file taxes, and so many other relevant real life skills. To teach economics, I would definitely want to get students involved in role-playing activities such as tracking the Stock Market, creating a budget, and learning about the evolution of the economy starting from barter economies.

There are many videos which make the learning of economics far less painful for students. One great example would be School House Rock. I think that even high school students can gain something beneficial from a video such as this, plus its something more interesting to listen to than just a teacher lecturing. This website also includes many lesson plans that would be applicable in a high school setting to help educate economics students.

 The BIG QUESTION: How do we engage students in a class that students take only because it is a graduation requirement, and not necessarily because they are interested?