Teaching with experiments in the Introductory Microeconomics course

Lecture-based instruction has long dominated Principles of Microeconomics classrooms. In this chapter, I propose that instructors consider adopting an active learning pedagogy involving classroom experiments. Through experiments, students make decisions as they face various economic situations and constraints; and experience first-hand the economic concepts that are part of their curriculum. Research supports the use of experiments as it demonstrates that students exposed to a pedagogy of classroom experiments enjoy higher achievement and greater engagement with the course, their instructor and their classmates. Classroom experiments also contribute to an environment conducive to promoting greater racial, ethnic and gender diversity by demonstrating the relevance of the material, supporting a sense of belonging and community building in the class, and fostering a growth mindset amongst students. To help instructors better understand the pedagogy, I provide an experiment example and review logistical considerations and best practices for adoption.