Revising the traditional Microeconomics course: engaging students via problem-based, positive, paradigmatic pluralism

This chapter argues for a Problem-based, Positive, Paradigmatic, Pluralistic (PPPP) approach to teaching microeconomics. In this approach, pluralistic perspectives for dealing with the major problems facing society are presented alongside each other in a positive light. This helps students develop their critical thinking about mainstream and heterodox approaches to major contemporary issues. The PPPP approach works best if established at the beginning of the semester and applied consistently throughout the course, giving students repeated practice in evaluating the applicability of theories, and seeing how variations in assumptions influence conclusions about policy effectiveness. The approach works well in analyzing approaches to consumer behavior, the minimum wage, supply decisions, sweatshops, the role of corporations, the welfare state, inequality, climate change and public goods. The PPPP approach can be used to make microeconomics engaging and more reflective of the rich, contested terrain that is modern economics.