Salmon

On the first day of class, I said Salmon would be my item from the grocery store that most represents my relationship with economics. I don't remember the exact reason (perhaps in the future have students write it down for safekeeping!!). Salmon is very expensive, but beneficial to your health. Economics courses at TC are also very expensive, and beneficial to your knowledge as a teacher.

The purchase of salmon is complicated. Salmon comes in different varieties from different locations, different price points, and with and without artificial coloring. Salmon can be bought at a grocery store, a fish market, prepared at a deli, or prepared at a restaurant.

Economics can be the same way. Especially when talking about curriculum and teaching methods. I can take a concept, and develop my own method for teaching it or I can purchase or download a a pre made lesson plan, and teach it as is. I can add small bits of pre-made lessons to my original lesson plan, or I can amend a pre-made lesson plan in small ways to accommodate the needs of my students.

Salmon is also not for everyone. Some people, like my roommate are repulsed the the smell. Some of my students might feel this way about economics. My goal as a teacher will be to find ways to help them build a tolerance, or maybe even get excited about it, by adding some flavor, like teriyaki sauce!

Conclusion: I would still buy Salmon, but also a bottle of Teriyaki sauce to spice it up for some of the students who aren't as interested in just plain salmon!