Economics for the Curious (Ekonomia dla ciekawych) is a nationwide educational practice in Poland based on the book of the same name by Professor Witold M. Orłowski. It is designed for students in grades 6–8 of primary school and all grades of secondary school (ages 12–19). The program aims to develop students' economic knowledge, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills through a highly engaging narrative format. Its core objective is to demystify economics, making it accessible and relevant to young people by explaining complex concepts through a captivating story.
Key Activities and Student Experience
The central activity revolves around a compelling story where a group of teenagers "kidnaps" an economics professor to force him to explain economic principles in plain language. Students follow this narrative through the book, comics, and audiobooks, participating in the professor's "interrogations" which cover topics like inflation, GDP, savings, investment, globalization, and the role of the state. The experience extends beyond the narrative with a rich ecosystem of materials: students engage in discussions prompted by lesson scenarios, solve problems, analyze case studies, test their knowledge with interactive quizzes, and use a meme generator to creatively process information.
Program Features and Principles
The practice's uniqueness lies in its use of storytelling and a blended-media approach to make a traditionally difficult subject appealing. It is founded on the principle of demystifying economics by connecting it to students' everyday lives and questions. The program emphasizes practical understanding over theoretical jargon, fostering a critical yet constructive view of economic phenomena.
Methodology and Structure
The program is structured as a flexible, multi-year series of thematic modules that correspond to the "interrogations" in the core story. Each module is supported by a detailed lesson plan, a presentation, comic book excerpts, animations, and interactive online tools. The methodology is rooted in project- and problem-based learning, using the narrative to drive inquiry and discussion. It incorporates elements of gamification (quizzes, creative tools) and active learning methods like debates and group work. This structure allows teachers to easily integrate the materials into their curriculum, adapting the scope and sequence to their students' needs.
Expected Outcomes and Value
The practice fosters economic and financial literacy, building students' confidence in navigating the complexities of the modern economy. Participants learn to understand key economic indicators, make informed financial decisions, and grasp the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. For teachers, the program offers a complete, ready-to-use, and inspiring educational toolkit that is fully aligned with the national curriculum, saving preparation time and significantly boosting student engagement.