A National Survey on Teaching Methods in Advanced Placement (AP) Economics Courses.

This article reports findings from the first national survey conducted in 2022 on teaching methods used in Advanced Placement (AP) Economics courses in U.S. high schools. It finds that traditional lectures with chalkboard/whiteboard and PowerPoint remain the dominant instructional approach, supplemented by media such as films or video clips, frequent instructor-student and peer discussions, and occasional use of games, simulations, and student self-assessments. AP instructors also incorporate classroom activities and references addressing diversity, inclusion, and gender issues more often than college-level economics instructors, as well as greater use of databases like Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). Overall, AP Economics courses employ a more diverse range of teaching methods compared to undergraduate introductory economics courses, possibly reflecting adaptations following the COVID-19 pandemic.