Teaching Intermediate Macroeconomics as A Lab Science: Some Initial Observations

Abstract

This article examines the possibility of combining a laboratory format with the traditional lecture format typically used to teach intermediate macroeconomic theory. The authors argue that this new lecture/laboratory format enables instructors to improve student understanding of both theoretical and empirical issues in intermediate macroeconomics. In the laboratory, using Macintosh personal computers, students collect data drawn from recent U.S. history, examine the validity of particular macroeconomic concepts, and write position papers about alternative policy measures. One result of this new instructional format is that students become more active and mdependent learners. Keywords computers, data analysis, economic pedagogy, laboratories, macroeconomic theory.