Students Perceptions of the Most Beneficial and Least Beneficial Knowledge and Skills Learned After Taking the Financial Literacy Course at Waukesha South High School

Abstract

This research investigated the most beneficial and least beneficial concepts learned in the financial literacy course at Waukesha South High School. The purpose of this research study is to determine the effectiveness of the current course curriculum. This research also had a goal of getting feedback on the current cope and sequence of the current financial literacy course and the skills students wish were in the course. The research design for this study utilized qualitative research methods. Six individual interviews took place with current students that took the course during the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 school years. Individual students came up with topics, concepts, and ideas that they wished were talked about or talked about more during the course. These topics and concepts included growing money, making a lot of money, making money more quickly, more in-depth on managing money, and making decisions with money at an early age. These topics should be considered when making curriculum decisions and changes. Four of six students thought the stock market was the most beneficial topic. Continuing to include the stock market game might be beneficial when looking at what topics to continue to teach. The fact that students did not know about the course content before taking it speaks to the need to promote the course content. This could potentially be done through hallway display cases, student testimonials that have taken the course, and alumni quotes.