Perspectives on Economic Education: A Report on Conference Proceedings.

Overview & Synopsis

Presented are a synthesis and analysis of proceedings from the conference which reassessed precollege needs in economic education. Two major questions addressed by the group are identified. First, is there sufficient research information to guide precollege economic education development? If not, what areas should be investigated more completely? Second, are there adequate curriculum materials? If not, what type should be developed? The general conclusion of the conference was that precollege economic education would benefit from increased research and development of a coordinated nature. The following six recommendations were made: (1) an operational definition of economic literacy must be developed; (2) a number of new instruments must be created at all grade levels to test the level of student understanding of and attitudes toward economics; (3) research is needed on why people do or do not wish to learn economics; (4) a more extensive program of materials development should be initiated; (5) teacher inservice programs must be continued and improved; and (6) the services of the Joint Council on Economic Education should be fully utilized. (Author/DB)