Teaching Economic Freedom with the Mystery Nations Lesson

Niederjohn, M. Scott; Lawson, Robert

doi:10.2139/ssrn.6315534

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Teaching Economic Freedom with the Mystery Nations Lesson

The Journal of Private Enterprise , Volume 39 Issue 2 (Summer) 2024 pp.71-79

SMU Cox School of Business Research Paper Forthcoming

10 Pages Posted: 30 Jun 2024

See all articles by M. Scott Niederjohn

Robert Lawson

Southern Methodist University (SMU) - SMU Cox School of Business

Abstract

Economic freedom is often overlooked in high school and college curricula and textbooks, despite its significant impact on per capita GDP and a variety of other social indicators. After introducing the Economic Freedom of the World index, this note outlines an innovative teaching lesson. By engaging students in a guessing game about the identity of different countries with known economic characteristics, the lesson highlights the critical role of economic freedom in national prosperity. The result can be a deeper understanding of this vital economic concept.

Keywords: economic education, economic freedom, property rights, rule of law

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Niederjohn, M. Scott and Lawson, Robert, Teaching Economic Freedom with the Mystery Nations Lesson. The Journal of Private Enterprise , Volume 39 Issue 2 (Summer) 2024 pp.71-79, SMU Cox School of Business Research Paper Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=6315534 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6315534