Economics for Life: Making Smart Choices, 3rd edition

Avi Cohen (University of Toronto and York University) and Scott Wolla (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis)

A dynamic approach to teaching economics that goes beyond traditional methods.

Economics for Life is suited for one-semester principles of economics courses and offers instructors a unique toolkit to cultivate economically literate students who excel not only in the classroom but also in their personal and professional lives.

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Economics for Life 3rd edition includes a wide range of traditional concepts/techniques for you to choose from.

You choose what to include or exclude in your literacy-targeted approach.

Economics for Life 3rd edition includes 18 chapters to allow instructors to select a manageable set of chapters to fit their specific course. Typically, 12 chapters can be covered in one term, depending on the number of weeks you have. You can select the applicable chapters according to your preferred focus:

  • Balanced Micro and Macro (6 micro, 6 macro):  For micro, Chapters 1–6, and for macro, Chapters 13–18
  • More Micro Focus (8 micro, 4 macro): For micro, Chapters 1–7, 9, and for macro, Chapters 12–15
  • More Macro Focus (5 micro, 7 macro): For micro, Chapters 1–5, and for macro, Chapters 12–18

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Example of page from eText. Features animation HHMI BioInteractive Video: 20.4 The Practical Applications of DNA-Based Biotechnology Affect Our Lives in Many Ways alongside text.

Features

Example of Chapter 39: Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals. What are some factors that plants sense and respond to? With corresponding image showing factors.

Gap Finder & Gap Filler

Gap Finder assesses student readiness on prerequisite math & graphing skills to identify at-risk students. Gap Finder identifies where students are struggling, so Gap Filler can provide a personalized learning path to address these knowledge gaps at the beginning of the term.
Example of Chapter 39: Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals. What are some factors that plants sense and respond to? With corresponding image showing factors.

Dynamic Study Modules

Dynamic Study Modules (DSM) are homework assignments that adjust to each student's needs for independent study. Based on cognitive research, DSM work can reduce learning time while improving test scores and retention.
Example of Chapter 39: Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals. What are some factors that plants sense and respond to? With corresponding image showing factors.

AI Study Tool (coming soon!)

Pearson's AI-powered study tool offers tailored learning, vetted content, and instant support within course materials, ensuring privacy and transparency while complementing human instruction for enhanced student outcomes.
Screen capture of the Science in the Classroom homepage from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Animated Figures

For key analytical graphs in the text, a short MP4 video with a voiceover plays when students click on the graph, talking students through the meaning of the figure, and tracing shifts of curves and changes in outcomes.
Sample worksheet with questions about cytoskeletons.

Digital Interactives

Digital interactives are dynamic activities that focus on the application of key economic principles and the development of critical thinking skills by working students through phases of exploration, application, comparison and analysis.​
Example of Chapter 39: Plant Responses to Internal and External Signals. What are some factors that plants sense and respond to? With corresponding image showing factors.

Single Player Experiments

Single-player experiments allow students to play against virtual players from anywhere at any time. They serve as an easy-to-use, fun, and engaging way to promote active learning and mastery of important economic concepts.

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