Welcome

This course provides student teachers with the pedagogical knowledge and practical skills necessary to teach Economics effectively in secondary schools. Recognizing that Economics education goes beyond transmitting theory to developing learners' economic literacy, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving abilities, the course explores diverse teaching methodologies appropriate for the discipline. Students will examine how to make abstract economic concepts accessible through active learning, case studies, simulations, and data analysis. Through lesson planning, microteaching, and critical reflection, student teachers will develop a repertoire of teaching strategies that promote deep learning, encourage economic inquiry, and prepare learners to become informed economic decision-makers. Particular attention will be given to teaching Economics in diverse South African contexts, addressing issues of equity, relevance, and the development of critical economic citizenship.

Teaching Economics in schools is not just about explaining markets, graphs, or budgets; it is about helping learners make sense of the economic forces shaping their everyday lives, choices, and futures. This course introduces prospective and practising teachers to the principles and practices of effective Economics teaching, with a strong focus on how learners actually learn economic ideas. It explores pedagogical approaches, curriculum interpretation, lesson planning, assessment, and the use of real-world contexts to make Economics meaningful, critical, and engaging in the classroom. Emphasis is placed on developing teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge so that complex economic concepts can be taught clearly, ethically, and inclusively, while encouraging learners to think analytically, question assumptions, and participate thoughtfully as economic citizens.

The course will also help you examine the Economics curriculum policy (CAPS for Economics) and its implications for practice.