Cooperative Learning Through Simulation of Regulated Markets

Teaching agricultural policy is challenging in that the operations of markets are complicated by government intervention. Many students need practical experience in formulating decision strategies in the presence of government programs to adequately understand consequences of government actions. This article shows how cooperative learning and simulation can effectively be combined in agricultural policy. With cooperative learning in small groups, complicated problems related to government intervention can be addressed. Economic simulation provides realistic problems for the small groups to consider. The approach helps students understand how abstract economic models can be used to improve economic decision‐making in the presence of government regulations.