Teaching the economics of immigration: A “significant learning” approach
Abstract
Immigration is a topic of great concern in public opinion, but there is extremely limited analysis of how to teach it at the post-secondary level. The authors of this article developed a lesson plan to explain this topic in an upper-level labor economics class, using Fink’s categories of significant learning, building on students’ individual experiences to develop theoretical understanding, data literacy, and awareness of normative analysis. The plan includes reflection on personal histories, data analysis, role-playing, and debating activities. This approach can be implemented in other economics courses with the goal of increasing relevance, inclusiveness, and students’ sense of “belonging” in the discipline.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Innovations in Educational Methods
Migration and Labor Dynamics
Labor market dynamics and wage inequality
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Journal of Economic Education
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 57
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 207–222
- Publication date
- 28 January 2026
- Language
- EN