This book is meant to be read and used by professors and economists. It assumes familiarity with economic theory and data analysis, so it will not make sense to a student or beginner. It is a manual for utilizing teaching materials that are available on the Web at http://www.depauw.edu/learn/macroexcel. It is assumed that the professor has a favorite textbook or readings that neither this book nor the online files will replace. Instead, delivery of content via Microsoft Excel will supplement and improve the teaching and learning process.

After explaining what is available and how to use it, this introduction presents a pedagogical argument in favor of simulation and Excel. Much of our teaching in economics is based on how we were taught and what we feel works, but advances in neuroscience make clear that many of our strategies and methods are flawed.

Excel Files and Screencasts

Professors who use these materials will have their students work with two types of resources: Excel files and screencasts (video recordings of the computer screen with audio narration). The Excel files include macro-enhanced workbooks that contain everything students need, including a ToDo sheet with links to screencasts and tasks (i.e., questions) to enable assessment. In addition, Excel add-ins, special files that extend the functionality of Excel, are provided.

Each chapter in this book lists the workbooks and screencasts available with a brief description providing a quick overview of the content and enabling professors to zero in on appropriate material. Each chapter begins with a section on common student problems and recommendations for ways to minimize confusion. The rest of the chapter is then devoted to more detailed description of the content in the workbooks and screencasts, answers to tasks, and suggestions for teaching.

The pedagogical principle behind the Excel workbooks and screencasts is that of strongly guided instruction via worked examples.