Using Interactive Games and Examples to Teach Basic Economic Concepts

Abstract

This paper presents several interactive non-computerized games that an instructor can use to teach basic economic principles. These games provide a more exciting and hands-on way for students to internalize economic concepts. They serve to break the monotony of the lecture that traditionally dominates economic classes and provides a more memorable alternative for presenting the material. Many economic students have found these games to be both enjoyable and effective. This paper gives an overview of how to use these games to teach the desired lesson along with how to adapt the games to both small and large lectures so that an instructor, upon reading this paper, can incorporate these games into his or her economics class.

JEL Classification: A22, D01