Readings
The speeches and articles on this page provide useful background reading that may be of interest to Economics teachers, for their professional development.
The State of Economics
A 2024 speech by Jacqui Dwyer providing an update on the landscape for economics education so there can be a collective effort in addressing current challenges.
Inflation Expectations and Economic Literacy
An RBA Bulletin article presenting descriptive findings about knowledge of the Reserve Bank’s inflation target and inflation expectations in the Australian community.
Economic Literacy in Australia: A First Look
An RBA Bulletin article summarising the results of a survey of Australian adults testing their understanding of some core macroeconomic topics.
Economic Literacy: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
An RBA Bulletin article exploring the meaning of ‘economic literacy’.
A Matter of Diversity
A 2022 speech by Jacqui Dwyer discussing diversity in the economics profession in Australia.
An Update on Supporting Economics Teachers
An article comparing the results of surveys carried out in 2021 and 2023 exploring the views of Economics teachers across Australia.
Supporting Economics Teachers: Their Insights on Economics Education and the RBA's Education Program
An article summarising the results of a survey exploring the views of Economics teachers across Australia.
What Is Driving Participation and Diversity Trends in Economics? A Survey of High School Students
A Research Discussion Paper examining the drivers of falling participation and diversity in Economics.
Exploring the ‘Confidence Gap’
An RBA Bulletin article investigating whether female and less advantaged economics students' economic proficiency is in line with their confidence, or whether they have a confidence gap.
The Transition from High School to University Economics
An RBA Bulletin article discussing how students transition from studying economics at high school to university and implications for the Bank’s public education program.
Why Study (or Not Study) Economics? A Survey of High School Students
An RBA Bulletin article reporting the findings of a Bank-led survey, examining the drivers of falling participation and diversity in Economics.
Bridging the Textbook Gaps on How the RBA Implements a Change to the Cash Rate
An article aimed at helping teachers bridge the gap between textbook theory and practice in how the RBA Implements Monetary Policy.
Does It Pay to Study Economics?
An RBA Bulletin article presenting analysis to answer the question of ‘Does it pay to study economics at university?’.
What Happened to the Study of Economics?
A 2018 speech by Jacqui Dwyer discussing trends in Economics enrolments at high school and university in Australia.
Studying Economics: The Decline in Enrolments and Why it Matters
A 2017 speech by Jacqui Dwyer discussing the landscape of high school Economics education in Australia.
Do RBA School Talks Improve Student Outcomes?
An RBA Bulletin article reporting the findings of research into the effectiveness of the Bank's school talks program.