Educational games can be powerful tools for helping high school World History students understand global economic issues in the years following World War II. This period saw the rebuilding of war-torn nations, the rise of the United States and Soviet Union as superpowers, and the formation of major economic institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Interactive games and simulations allow students to explore these developments by making decisions as world leaders, economic planners, or representatives of newly formed nations. Through these roles, students can grasp the complexities of economic recovery, aid distribution (such as the Marshall Plan), and the competing systems of capitalism and communism.
Games also help students understand trade relationships, the impact of decolonization on global markets, and the beginning of economic globalization. By engaging in decision-making and seeing the consequences of economic choices, students develop a clearer understanding of how economies are interconnected and influenced by political and historical contexts. These games encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving, making abstract economic concepts more tangible and relevant. When used alongside traditional teaching materials, educational games enrich students’ understanding of postwar economic challenges and transformations around the world.
|
