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| FLHS students master the market through BestPrep’s stock game |
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| Wednesday, 23 December 2009 | |
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Jennifer Larson Community Editor Students at Forest Lake High School competing in The Stock Market GameTM (SMG) this fall learned both the struggles and the dividends of investing. As they navigated their way through market fluctuations, students came away from the experience armed with sound financial knowledge, and perhaps a little extra virtual “cash” as well. The students joined BestPrep and more than 4500 students in 175 schools around Minnesota to compete in The Stock Market Game. Teacher Alan Anderson is advising students as part of the curriculum at Forest Lake High School. The Stock Market Game teaches prudent financial planning and money management through first-hand experience, and engages students in a way that keeps them wanting to learn more. “I am excited about my personal money management classes as students are really learning that the decisions they make now are really important for their future,” Anderson said. “With the economy as it is we know all the more how important it is to make good decisions. The stock market game is one way students learn how to make good investing choices. The class has many other areas students study so they can become financially successful later.” “We are learning that most often it is not how much money you make but what you do with it that counts,” he added. The Stock Market Game is an interactive educational tool used in grades 4-12 to supplement subjects such as math, social studies, and business education, while fulfilling Minnesota Graduation Standards. BestPrep, a Minnesota based nonprofit, administers the experiential program to students throughout the state to enhance economics education and financial literacy. Student teams participating in The Stock Market Game are given a virtual $100,000 to “invest” over a fifteen-week period, and compete with their peers throughout the state. Each team receives daily portfolio updates on their current holdings, brokerage fees, interest, and team rankings. During the session, teachers incorporate The Stock Market Game’s supporting materials into their curriculum. FLHS student Sam Miller, 11th grade, said that The Stock Market Game was a wonderful learning experience. “The game taught us to think logically, invest wisely, and to be smart with your personal money choices,” said junior Danielle Dresel. Luke Schultz, 11th grade, commented, “This game was a realistic simulation for up and coming businessmen, everyone can learn from it!” In an effort to take concepts to the next level, The Stock Market Game offers InvestWrite as a supplement to its curriculum. InvestWrite is designed to help students sharpen critical thinking skills through an essay competition on investment related topics. The best essay from each age division will be honored at an awards ceremony. The first place students at the national level receive a free trip to New York City. A Forest Lake team did not win this year but hopes are high for next year, Anderson says. BestPrep is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing Minnesota students with business, career and financial literacy skills through experiences that inspire success in work and life and annually serves over 80,000 students. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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