Essentials of Economics, 2e, uses a section-by-section approach in which economics ideas and concepts are presented in short, self-contained units rathers than in large blocks of text. Each chapter comprises approximately six to eight bite-sized sections, typically presented in two to eight pages, that include all of the revevant graphs, tables, applications,boxes, photos, definitions, and cartoons foe the topic at hand.My enthusiasm for and dedication to this approach stems from studying research on learning theory, which indicates that students retain information much better when it is broken down into short, intense, and exciting bursts of " digestible " information. Students prefer information divided into smaller, self-contained sections that are less overwhelming, more manageable, and easier to review before going on to new material. In short, students will be more successful in mastering and retaining econormic principles using this approach, which is distinctly more compatible with modern communication styles.
But students aren't the only ones to benefit from this approach. The self-contained sections allow instructors greater flexibility in planning their courses. They can simply select or delete sections of the text as it fits their syllabus.
Chapter 1 The Role and Method of Economics
Chapter 2 The Economic Way of Thinking
Chapter 3 Scarcity, Trade-offs, and Economic Growth
Chapter 4 Supply and Demand
Chapter 5 Bringing Supply and Demand Together
Chapter 6 Elasticities
Chapter 7 Market Efficiency and Welfare
Chapter 8 Extermalities and Public Goods
Chapter 9 Production and Costs
Chapter 10 Perfect Competition
, etc.