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Using Excel to Teach Principles of Microeconomics

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  • Humberto Barreto

    (Department of Economics and Management, DePauw University)

Abstract

Teaching introductory economics is difficult because students often do not have the terminology and tools needed to understand economics concepts and models. To communicate these ideas, the successful principles instructor must prioritize concreteness and avoid abstraction. Spreadsheets offer clear visual displays of data and theoretical results, making them a natural way to teach introductory economics and develop true competency. Two Excel add-ins, FRED and Solver, are highlighted in examples that can be integrated easily into any principles of microeconomics course. A macro-enabled workbook to introduce the idea of emergent order is provided (http://academic.depauw.edu/~hbarreto/working/LangtonsAnt/LangtonsAnt.xlsm) and a few online resources for teaching with spreadsheets are also mentioned. Integrating spreadsheet-based pedagogy into a principles of microeconomics course will improve learning outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Humberto Barreto, 2021. "Using Excel to Teach Principles of Microeconomics," Working Papers 2021-01, DePauw University, School of Business and Leadership and Department of Economics and Management.
    • Handle: RePEc:dew:wpaper:2021-01
    as

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    File URL: https://www.depauw.edu/site/learn/dew/wpaper/workingpapers/DePauw2021-01-Barreto-UsingExceltoTeachPrinciplesMicro.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Allgood, Sam & Bayer, Amanda, 2016. "Measuring College Learning in Economics," MPRA Paper 85104, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    spreadsheet; FRED; Solver; add-in; data; optimization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A2 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics
    • C0 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General
    • D0 - Microeconomics - - General

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