Stock Market Game Simulation

“A Window to the World: The Stock Market”
“One of the very nice things about investing in the stock market is that you learn about all different aspects of the economy. It's your window into a very large world,” Ron Chernow once said. The stock market is undoubtedly an incredibly important economic feature, one that our modern world depends on. Indeed, the stock market is so integral to our life today that it can serve as a valuable tool where financial literacy is concerned. Two of the most important financial lessons that the stock market teaches are financial literacy terminology as well as a historical understanding of stock market institutions. The Stock Market Game simulation serves to teach these lessons in a secure environment, and

other games can teach similar financial lessons such as these.

An in-depth knowledge of financial literacy terminology, as well as a historical and cultural understanding of the stock market, are incredibly important tools that help an individual do well when investing in capital markets. Knowing proper vocabulary and financial terms is crucial to success because this knowledge allows the investor to fully educate themselves in regards to their financial decisions and make the best investments possible. If one has a clear knowledge of financial terminology, conversing with other investors and financial companies becomes easier, leading to heightened success in the stock market. Being well-versed in the history of the stock market is also incredibly important for financial success. It is paramount that the stock market is taken seriously, and the gravity of investments made is felt by investors. This can be realized through studying the rich history of stock-trading locations such as the NYSE. Learning about the founders of the NYSE, its progress throughout the years, NYSE bell-ringers, and other important aspects helps foster a deeper appreciation for the stock market. With this in mind, trades and business can be done securely and respectfully, a sure way to financial success.

These lessons are important not only for the real-life stock market, but for the Stock Market Game simulation as well.

In order to make the most logical and beneficial purchases, it was first important that I fully understood the terminology used within the stock market. Words such as blue chip stock, mutual fund, stock splits, and ticker symbol would all prove incredibly important for me to understand if I was to do well within the game. For example, the first stock I bought, Disney, taught me the definition of a ticker symbol - in Disney’s case, DIS. This enabled me to quickly identify other stocks by their ticker symbols as well, and I soon became familiar with the term. In addition, when I bought Coca-Cola, I soon learned its financial importance as a reliable blue-chip stock, as it and other stocks like it proved profitable for me. My class was also required to buy a mutual fund, and in doing so I learned how exactly a mutual fund differs from a stock, the positives and negatives of buying one, et cetera. In addition, my knowledge of the history that places like the NYSE contains proved incredibly important towards my success within the game. Because I learned about the NYSE’s foundation and the many people who worked to make it what it is today, I was able to fully appreciate the importance of the stock market as I moved through the simulation. This, in turn, helped me take the Stock Market Game seriously and not waste any of my money on stocks that I considered

unwise. Because both of these lessons - financial literacy terminology and stock history - are so beneficial to students, games like the Stock Market Game are necessary within schools. However, other games with the intention to teach these lessons as well are equally important, and should be integrated into schools as well.

The game in question would teach financial literacy through focusing on the NYSE in New York.

In the form of a computer-based game for young children, players would enter an animated version of the New York Stock Exchange after reading the instructions. With the object of the game being to visit as many people within the NYSE as possible before a timer runs out, the game would guide children around the floor of the NYSE. Children would listen to animated characters such as famous NYSE bell-ringers and stock brokers speak about their jobs. Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds would be explained this way, as well as the historical importance of the NYSE and financial literacy terms. After visiting each person, a series of questions would be asked to the child in a pop-quiz format to ensure that players fully absorb information. If they complete their tour of the NYSE before the sun goes down, they would

win.

The stock market truly is a window into the greater world, as Ron Chernow said. It is a direct representation of the world’s economy, and has an immense effect upon our daily lives. Because of this, the stock market teaches important lessons in regards to financial literacy vocabulary, as well as cultural history. The Stock Market Game simulation helps teach these lessons as well, imparting important knowledge towards its players. Other games similar to this that teach financial lessons are equally important, for it is paramount that the cultural and economic relevance of the stock market be imparted to future generations.

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