Surfing You-Tube for Increasing Marginal Returns on Student Engagement in Introductory Microeconomics

Abstract

This paper presents a teaching technique that diverts from traditional lecture by using scenes from mainstream media in order to teach introductory Microeconomics. We present a user’s manual which lines up each topic in a typical semester long microeconomics course with a media clip that easily engages students. The presence of Gen Z students gives rise to developing methods with which instructors can engage digitally native students. Presenting economics concepts through familiar scenes from film, TV or other media outlets engages students and enhances their interest in the material while fostering increased student participation and reflective learning.