The first degree I ever earned was in Economics, and one of the reasons I could learn Economics so fluently was because of the work of Jacob Clifford. In this short blog post, I want to discuss why Jacob Clifford’s oeuvre* is so useful. In doing so, I hope to explicate some of his strategies and make my own practice stronger in the process.
Who is Jacob Clifford?
Jacob Clifford is an AP Economics teacher and maintains a website dedicated to providing student and teacher resources for AP Economics, as well as for several other AP exams. He also runs a popular YouTube channel providing “edu-tainment” on the AP exams and on current events.
What does he offer?
Jacob Clifford offers what you would expect a teacher to offer: PowerPoints, worksheets, quizzes, tests, and AP question reviews are what he sells. Many other teachers also provide such things. Nevertheless, Clifford outperforms nearly everyone else who teaches Economics.
So why does he do so well?
I can give you four conjectures on why Jacob Clifford’s materials are so effective:
- Simplicity: Jacob Clifford’s economics materials are designed to be easy to understand, with clear explanations and concise language. This makes them accessible to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced learners. There are no fancy editing tricks, no unusual graphics, and no winding explanations here. Everything is to the point, exactly the way students, and savvy teachers, would want.
- Thoroughness: Clifford’s materials cover a wide range of topics in economics, from basic concepts like supply and demand to more complex ideas like game theory and exchange rates. Students finish with a comprehensive understanding of the subject. There is also spaced repetition with real multiple-choice and FRQs(free-response questions) generously applied throughout the presentations. Students are preparing to ace the AP exam from day one.
- Interactivity: Clifford also adds a healthy measure of his personality in his work. In many lessons, students are playing games, watching movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark, or just generally having fun with what is often seen as a boring topic. Students and teachers clearly appreciate the change of pace and enjoy learning in this way.
- Relevance: With all of the changes in the world economy and the way people earn, save, and invest, Clifford’s materials are as relevant as ever. Clifford’s materials are routinely updated to reflect current events, such as the recent election of Argentinian Prime Minister Javier Milei. What is clear from these updates is that everything happening today, from the rise of AI to Taylor Swift’s exclusive Sinagpore concert, is grounded in some economic reality. It becomes easy to “sell” the importance of the class once all of these references are laid out so clearly.
What do I take away from all of this?
I feel grateful to be able to stand on the shoulders of such a master. I am proud to say that many of his materials have entered my own Economics classes. My classes would not have been 1/10 as functional had it not been for Clifford.
For me, Clifford teaches pragmatically and with a ton of passion and care for the subject. That passion, care, and rigorous understanding is what I hope to emulate. In my mind, when someone works with me, they are looking for tangible results. If we are studying for an exam, we should be learning how to take that exam. We should be practicing with real test questions, noticing and constructing question-answer patterns, checking and rechecking the exam’s syllabus thoroughly, and generally making sure that no stone is left unturned. Anyone can study for these exams, and many others can teach them. Only a select few teachers leave you better than when you started.
The impression I’m left with, and the impression I hope my students are left with when our task is completed, is one of value: spending time with Clifford is an enormously great deal because of how much he can improve my reasoning, and how quickly he can do so.
In the same vein, I hope to be a great deal for my students. If we can build lifelong skills and study habits, the dividends will be immeasurable.
If I may be of assistance to you, consider booking a session with me today. To Mr. Clifford: thank you for everything you have given me, as well as your students and indeed the world.
*oeuvre is a word that means “the total body of one’s work”. Try saying it to sound smart!