On July 23, 2015, the Lithuanian Free Market Institute launched a unique interactive teaching platform for teachers of economics at www.ekonomikosvadovelis.lt. This platform is a part of LFMI’s brand new textbook on economics – Economics in 31 Hours – which will be hitting bookstores and schools across Lithuania and reach over 7,000 pupils and 200 teachers this autumn.
“Our aim is to provide foundations for shaping critical thought of young people when it comes to the evaluation of economic phenomena and the world. The textbook and the teacher’s platform are the very first steps towards it. We are committed to maintain permanent contact with teachers as well as provide regular updates to the teaching material by adding new video lessons, illustrations, statistical data and information on the most recent economic realities and issues.” – says Marija Vyšniauskaitė, co-author and Head of LFMI’s Education Centre.
After a pilot project with 30 teachers and over 1,300 pupils, the textbook has been enlisted among recommended textbooks by the Ministry of Education. Moreover, the textbook received positive reviews from the most prominent educationalists. According to Dr Austėja Landsbergienė, the textbook and the online material “are especially needed in Lithuania due to the values promoted and contemporary teaching methods provided”.
Teaching of economics as a separate subject is compulsory for 9-10th grade school pupils in Lithuania. According to LFMI’s survey, 70% of teachers indicate the need of contemporary and innovative teaching material. Therefore, this contemporary learning and teaching material will surely contribute to the quality of economic education across Lithuania.
