Lecturer rolls the dice on a better way to teach economics

KUALA LUMPUR: Having spent over two decades teaching economics, Janitha Nadarajah has observed that students often understand theories on paper but struggle to apply them in real life.

Determined to make the subject less intimidating, the lecturer, who teaches economics and business under Sunway University’s American degree transfer progamme, spent months developing a “Monopoly”-inspired board game.

The result? “US Econopoly”, a game that turns concepts such as inflation, stock markets and investment risks into hands-on lessons.

Designed around the US economy, the game introduces players to microeconomics, macroeconomics and financial literacy through simulations based on real-world market conditions.

Like Monopoly, players buy and develop assets, but “US Econopoly” goes a step further. Properties are mapped according to US states using 2025 market values, while gameplay incorporates economic concepts including inflation, unemployment, dividends, bonds, tariffs and bank loans.

“I’ve always believed students learn better when they experience something instead of simply reading about it,” she told Bernama. “These are all elements adapted from what I teach in class.”

The game accommodates six to seven players, with one acting as the banker, and challenges participants to make investment decisions while managing limited resources and financial risks.

Unlike conventional property board games, success is determined not simply by accumulating wealth but by understanding how different financial decisions influence long-term outcomes.

At the end of each session, players calculate their total wealth based on cash holdings, property values and stock investments.

“Those who focus on buying property tend to become safer, long-term investors, while those who invest heavily in shares usually take on greater risks for potentially higher short-term returns,” Janitha explained.

A Malaysian version in future?

The idea for the game took shape after Janitha participated in the Study of US Institutes for Scholars programme organised by the American government, which took her to Boston, New York and Washington for six weeks last year.

Back in Malaysia, she used a grant awarded to programme alumni to complete the project in just three months.

The board game also marks the 250th anniversary of the US declaration of independence by encouraging students to explore American history and civic values through experiential learning.

Although the game was initially created as an educational tool, Janitha hopes to expand the concept beyond the classroom. She is currently seeking copyright protection and welcomes partnerships to develop localised versions focused on the Malaysian economy.

“We could create a Malaysian edition or even collaborate with organisations such as Bursa Malaysia to promote stock-market literacy,” she said.

She is also planning a second board game centred on global business and international economics, covering topics such as overseas property investment and franchising.

For many of her students, the interactive approach has transformed what was once one of their toughest subjects.

Business management student Kavin Parhar, 18, said starting the game with a limited budget forced players to think carefully before making financial decisions.

“It was really fun because you’re only given $1,500 at the start, so you have to manage your money wisely. It actually reflects real life,” he said.

Kavin believes the experience has also helped him better understand concepts taught in lectures and could improve his exam performance.

Economics student Philip Yip, 19, who has studied under Janitha for five semesters, said physically interacting with economic concepts made them far easier to grasp than simply reading textbooks.

“It’s not just about playing a game, you learn about bonds, property, shares and multinational companies while you’re making decisions,” he said.

“Instead of just studying the theory, you experience it, and that makes the concepts stick.”