The Economics Game: Helping Students Prepare for the Edge

Abstract

This paper discusses a lecture on economic principles for sophomore-level female Japanese exchange students taught during the Summer 2019 semester at a small, U.S.-based private international institution of higher education.  By deviating from the more traditional, lecture-based approach through the creation and implementation of the Economics Game, students were able to refine their conceptual understanding of basic economic concepts while learning new applications of economics through different cultural and societal lenses.  Outcomes suggest that the Economics Game aided in increasing and deepening student understanding of economic principles, that students were able to gain transferable experience through coursework emphasizing decision-making, experiential learning, and teamwork, and that the game can benefit greatly by integrating more explanation, consideration, and management of student expectations in the future.