Economics Education Resource Guide

Economics is the study of how people, organizations and governments allocate scarce resources. Studying economics can prepare someone for a career in finance or government, where they might offer advice and analysis on economic issues. Or, for those who don’t plan on pursuing a career in the field, it can help individuals make better decisions in everyday life. Whether you are pursuing a degree in economics, trying to pass a required economics course or just have an interest in the subject, this guide it for you. It includes links to more than 40 resources, including introductory resources, study resources and news resources, among many others. Also, if you’re a teacher, we’ve included a section with resources to help add depth and new ideas to your lessons.

General Economics Education Resources

Looking to gain a better understanding of economics? The following general economic education resources – which comprise introductory resources, study resources, research and data resources, and many others – can help you get started.

Econometer – A site full of easy-to-digest information about fundamental economics, macroeconomics, microeconomics and international and personal finance.

The Social Studies Help Center – This site contains links to class notes for teacher, David Miller’s economics course. The notes are organized by units to cover an introduction to economics, macroeconomics and microeconomics.

Yale Open Courses – Stream economics courses from the Yale University Department of Economics. Courses include financial theory, game theory and financial markets.

Economic Research and Data – Delve into a sea of innovative research by economists at the Federal Reserve Board. The research covers a multitude of topics in finance and economics sure to keep you engaged.

Fundamentals of Economics – Do you have an interest in taking a free course that covers the basics of economics? If the prospect intrigues you, ALISON offers a free online comprehensive course that covers economic topics such as goods and services, growth and activity and the market economy.

Economics Website – Useful as a self-study resource for learning more about the global economy, this site presents basic economic concepts with quizzes to gauge your understanding. The site also contains links to economics videos.

Study Tips for Economics Courses – Based on information from The University of Texas at Austin Learning Center, these study tips can assist you in taking notes, reading the text efficiently, preparing for tests, taking tests and interpreting graphs.

Economics Interactive Tutorials – Enjoy 13 interactive economics tutorials created by Samuel L. Baker, Ph.D. Topics include demand, elasticity and risk.

Economics Analysis Resources

If you’re looking to take an even deeper dive into the subject of economics, check out these great economic analysis resources. The following provide accurate and timely information to enhance your understanding of the U.S. and world economies.

FX Empire – To get high-quality analysis of what’s going on in the marketplace, check out FX Empire. Discover expert and current analyses from analysts with no less than seven years of experience in the field.

Bureau of Economic Analysis – The BEA is a government entity that offers accurate and relevant economic analysis data with the goal of promoting knowledge of the U.S. economy.

The Heritage Foundation – This foundation is a think tank that provides research, data and analysis on various economic issues such as trade, taxes and lending.

International Monetary Fund – The IMF offers international statistics and data categories that contain links to various macroeconomic and financial data. Data categories are organized under external sector, fiscal sector, financial sector and real sector.

Economics Teaching Resources

Are you an educator looking to add to your economics teaching toolbox? Browse the list below to find lessons, literature, games, podcasts and much more related to economics. And you don’t have to be a teacher to get the most out of these resources – anyone can use these to enhance their economics knowledge.

Economic Education Web – This resource provides ready-to-use online economics lessons for grade levels K-12. Even though the content of the lessons is tied to the Nebraska Economic and Social Studies standards, these lessons can be successfully used by any teacher in any state.

Economics and Children’s Literature Resources – Explore a list of children’s books that feature engaging stories based on different economic principles. Using this literature as a resource can aid students in making a real-world connection between their lives and economics.

Basic Concepts of Economics – The University of Missouri offers links to units and lessons about basic economic concepts, engaging class activities, project ideas, online quizzes and interactive games. Lessons are appropriate for grades 3 to 6.

Federal Reserve Education.org – Most appropriate for middle school and older students, this site provides information on the expanding field of economics and careers that students may be interested in pursuing. In addition, students can learn about how deciding to attend college is an important economic decision. They can also learn how to navigate the decision-making process and avoid financial pitfalls.

Knowledge@WhartonHighSchool – This is an entirely free resource that offers a wealth of information for anyone who is interested in utilizing it. The site features links to helpful resources for teaching economics to high school students that include videos, podcasts, lesson plans and business journal articles.

Foundation for Teaching Economics – The FTE offers helpful information for those wanting to become more effective economic educators. Find classroom activities and teacher resources, such as videos and lecture presentations, focusing on different topics in economics.

Teaching and Learning with the New York Times – Allow your students to enjoy learning about economics with the New York Times as their companion. The site offers a blog, lesson plans and even an online crossword puzzle to test students’ economic knowledge.

Economic Theory Resources

Economic theories are many – each one with its proponents and opponents. Learn about some of the more popular ones below.

The 50 Most Important Economic Theories – Check out this list created by economist, Donald Marron. The list is comprised of the 50 most important economic theories within the last century.

What is Marxism? – A resource on Marxism written by Bertell Ollman, a professor of politics at NYU, who has given around 250 lectures all over the world on the various aspects of Marxist theory.

What is Keynesian Economics? – This school of thought is based on the belief that government intervention in the economy works. Read this engaging article to more fully understand this theory.

New Classical Macroeconomics – Written by a professor of economics and philosophy, this encyclopedic entry offers an explanation of New Classical Macroeconomics, a school of economic thought that was first established in the early 1970s.

Laissez Faire and Economic Growth – Economist, Lawrence W. Reed, explains the laissez faire system. He also explains why he believes it benefits economic growth.

Demand and Supply Theory – Find out everything you ever wanted to know about supply and demand from a microeconomic perspective, which focuses on specific goods and services rather than goods and services in general.

Economics News Sources

Whether you need the latest stock and commodities information or you’re interested in current events facing the economy, economic news sources are your go-to for the facts you need.

The Wall Street Journal – This online version of the Wall Street Journal, which was launched in 1996, provides trusted business and financial news. Also, find comprehensive market, stock and commodities information.

The Economist – The Economist online offers a collective voice of authority in plain language on topics such as business, finance, science, technology and international news.

MarketWatch – Find news and insight about the impact of current events on our economy. Also look here for personal finance advice, stock market quotes and company news.

Bloomberg – This daily, online report offers the latest national and international headlines, current market data and personal finance advice.

Economics Podcasts

Learn about economics – and stay abreast of new developments – by tuning into one of these podcasts.

EconTalk – This podcast, hosted by Russ Roberts, is carried by The Library of Economics and Liberty. Topical books and news are used to illustrate economic principles and one-on-one discussions about economics. Discussions take place with a wide range of people from Nobel Laureates to people off the street.

Planet Money – Produced by National Public Radio, Planet Money is described as “the economy, explained, with stories and surprises.” Think serious economic subjects treated with fun and flair.

FT Alphachat – Interested in a side of wonky humor with your economics podcast? FT Alphachat delivers. This podcast is produced in New York and attacks a deep economic theme weekly.

Slate Money – Presented by Felix Salmon with Cathy O’Neil and Jordan Weismann, Slate Money is similar to Alphachat but without all the wonkiness. Still, it has a fun edginess coupled with intelligence.

The Economist: The Week Ahead – Every Friday, head on over to The Economist radio to hear editors and correspondents discuss the major economic events taking place in the next week.

Economic Update – This weekly program, hosted by Professor of Economics, Richard D. Wolff, is for anyone who wants a breakdown of complex economic issues so that they can effectively analyze their own personal finances and the general economy.

Personal Economics Resources

Gaining financial independence is a goal many have but fall short of achieving. Use these personal economics resources will help propel you to make wise financial decisions that will ultimately result in monetary gain.

Get Rich Slowly – J.D. Roth’s personal finance money blog focuses on setting goals and spending less than you earn because becoming wealthy takes time. Find plenty of sound personal finance advice here.

Money Crashers – Money Crashers offers 11 non-negotiable principles that can aid anyone in making wise decisions to gain financial independence. Get information about navigating credit and debt, investing, spending and more.

The Simple Dollar – Ranked as a top-ten personal finance blog by Kiplinger, The Simple Dollar promises not to waste readers’ time by delivering the same type of personal finance advice found elsewhere. Check out this “personal finance platform you can use to make better financial decisions and grow your bank account.”

Len Penzo dot com – Looking for a little fun and entertainment mixed in with personal finance advice? If so, look no further than Len Penzo’s blog. Len’s blog has won multiple awards including one for best personal finance blog and most humorous personal finance blog.

Consumerism Commentary – This blog is referred to as one of the first online personal finance blogs. Creator, Luke Landes, started Consumerism Commentary in 2003. Still going strong, the blog serves as a platform for daily articles focused on current personal finance issues and the author’s own personal finance journey.

Mint.com – Interested in taking control of your financial life? Sign up for free with Mint. Mint connects to almost every financial institution that has an online presence. It helps you understand where your money is going and how to utilize it in the best possible way.