Working Paper: NBER ID: w26702
Authors: N. Gregory Mankiw
Abstract: The introductory economics course, often called Econ 101, is where most economists get their start and where many students receive their only exposure to the field. This essay discusses the course’s evolution. It first looks back at how economics was taught at Harvard in the 19th century, based on a textbook by Professor Francis Bowen. It then looks ahead at how the introductory course may change as pedagogical tools improve, as society confronts new challenges, and as the field accumulates new knowledge.
Keywords: Econ 101; Economics Education; Pedagogy
JEL Codes: A2
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Changes in teaching methods and content (A23) | Students' understanding and engagement with economics (A22) |
| Increased use of digital tools and empirical methods (C91) | Students' understanding and engagement with economics (A22) |
| Incorporation of basic mathematics and digital textbooks (C89) | Improved learning experience (A22) |