FTE Workshops offer teachers another opportunity to gain new materials and insight into economics topics. The shorter, more condensed format of the workshop presentations allow more flexibility for teachers to easily gain new teaching tools and ideas in a shorter timeframe. Workshops last approximately an hour and a half, and are held via Zoom.
Fall 2023 Workshop Offerings
| Course Topic | Date/Time | Location | Course Fee | Available Stipends | Registration Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is Socialism? The Knowledge Problem | Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 7:00-8:30p EST (4:00-5:30p PST) | Virtual | None | $30 Amazon gift card participation stipend | OPEN |
September 20th – Job Jungle
Labor issues have become a hot topic in the news because of strikes across the country. The 100+ day actors and writers strikes, for example have shut down Hollywood, while a possible auto worker strike looms in the background. As a classroom topic, current labor disputes providing an opening for you to introduce students to key economic concepts like derived demand, productivity, and unemployment.
In this workshop, FTE instructors will introduce the “The Job Jungle”, a fast paced and engaging activity that you can use to help students internalize the economic concepts related to labor markets. Learning about the derived demand for and supply of labor couldn’t be more fun!
Teachers completing the workshop receive a clock hour confirmation certificate, plus the know how to run one of FTE’s most popular activities.
October 18th – What is Socialism?: Changing Perceptions
This workshop introduces two lessons from a new FTE curriculum unit which examines the major themes and issues with socialism. As a classroom topic, comparative economic systems provide an excellent aperture for students to see key micro economic concepts in action.
Participants will examine the definition and perception of socialism, as well as identify problems of control and incentives. FTE instructors will introduce – “Socialism – A Poll!” – an activity teachers can use in sessions about comparative economic systems.
Teachers completing the workshop receive a clock hour confirmation certificate.
November 15th – What is Socialism?: The Information Problem
As part of a new FTE curriculum unit examining the major themes of socialism, this workshop will look at the knowledge problem and pathology of privilege. Both concepts are addressed when studying comparative economic systems and provide excellent classroom examples to help understand economic concepts and to think critically about national and international issues.
FTE instructors will introduce – “Missing Prices” – a market activity where prices are set by planning ministers with limited information about consumer wants and needs.
Teachers completing the workshop receive a clock hour confirmation certificate.
Requirements
Active participation is required during all Workshops; participants are expected to keep cameras on during presentations. Those who do not turn cameras on during sessions may be removed from the Workshop. Zoom breakout rooms are often used and attendees are expected to interact with each other to collaborate on virtual activities. A second device (mobile, tablet, 2nd monitor) is usually helpful when accessing Workshop materials, but is not required.