The Use of Seven Simulation Games in a College Economics Course

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of four student characteristics and the instructors on the relative abilities of a simulation-gaming method and the lecture-discussion method to increase the economic knowledge, retention of economic knowledge, and interest toward economics of college students enrolled in an introductory economics course. The study indicated that the relative effectiveness of the methods of instruction was influenced by the students’ pre-course economic knowledge, previous economic training, and scholastic abilities. While the limitations of the study should be considered, it was suggested that a student’s economic knowledge, previous training, and scholastic ability could be used to place the student in the appropriate introductory economics course section.