Students in my Junior Achievement Applied Economics classes have participated in the SMG for the past several years, occasionally even coming out on top in the standings. Winning isn't everything, however. Setting goals, developing strategies, gaining small group consensus on buys and sells, researching individual stocks and trends, and creating Excel charts of investment movement all served as powerful learning stimuli.
This individual growth doesn't just end at the classroom door or close of semester but continues for many of the students as they move into adulthood. Returning students still come by to relive their "glory" days and shore current investment practices.
The SMG also served, for me, as one more community connection, bringing local investment counselors into the classroom to explain the nuts and bolts of investing along with specific, relevant materials for the students. Nothing like the "Rule of Seven" to open some eyes.
