Objective
Teachers will be able to:
- Explain and compare the core ideas of the Keynesian and Austrian schools of economic thought, including their views on government intervention, markets, and economic cycles, using historical examples from the Great Depression and World War II.
- Apply Keynes’s and Hayek’s ideas to modern policy debates (e.g., stimulus spending, inflation, government regulation) in ways that help students connect economic theory to current events.
Standards
Description
This webinar explores the influential economic debate between John Maynard Keynes and Friedrich Hayek, situating their ideas within the historical context of the Great Depression, World War II, and modern economic policy challenges. Through storytelling, visuals, and clear comparisons, participants will examine how each economist understood business cycles, the role of government, and the function of markets—and why their ideas continue to shape policy debates today. Teachers will be introduced to the Keynesian and Austrian schools of thought, with accessible explanations suitable for high school classrooms. The session emphasizes connections to current events, such as stimulus spending, inflation, and debates over government intervention. Throughout the webinar, participants will engage with classroom-ready activities, including discussion prompts, debate frameworks, inquiry questions, short videos, and project ideas that encourage critical thinking and student voice. The webinar also highlights how this content aligns with Minnesota high school social studies standards and demonstrates multiple ways it can be integrated into economics, history, and civics courses. Why Teachers Should Attend. Build content confidence: Gain a clear, engaging understanding of two foundational economic perspectives and how to teach them accurately and accessibly. Leave with classroom-ready tools: Walk away with discussion questions, activities, and lesson ideas you can use immediately. Enhance student engagement: Learn strategies for helping students connect historical economic ideas to today’s policy debates and real-world issues.