Undergraduates William E. Becker Economists are singled out for their lack of interest in teaching. Yet, in teaching economics to undergraduates, the work of some economists is innovative and recognized, although not necessarily appreciated by those who are missing the current realities in higher education. This article presents evidence on the teaching and learning of economics at the undergraduate level. It describes what economists are doing in classrooms, and discusses the consequences of their failure to do more. It reviews what research offers teachers and considers alternative measures of educational outputs.
Consideration is given to nonlecture teaching methods that are more prevalent in other disciplines.