COMMENTS FROM ANDREA CHEUNG
MARYKNOLL CLASS OF 2003
I enjoyed Economics Challenge for several reasons. One, it was a fun way of learning the material that was necessary for the AP econ test, as we had to apply the principles that we learned in the classroom to something other than what was simply on the exam. In that way, it was quite refreshing. The problems given were challenging, and forced me to think beyond the standards that I normally had to in class. I had to think about the concepts in newer ways, which of course enforced my learning and benefited me for the actual AP exam.
It was also fun working with my team - collaboration - because I learned lots of material from them that I didn't quite digest from the textbook. It helps that I had lots of smart people in my team who had strengths where I had weaknesses. In addition, it helped that the questions were multiple choice questions - which are crucial to the AP exam. It's also good because I got to work towards another goal, besides just the AP exam. Interschool competition is always a good motivator to do well... it's the same type of rush that happens when we are in a math meet or a karate tournament: you want to do well and in the process of practicing, you have fun...
So why compete? For the challenge, the team learning, and to augment and apply knowledge. What would they [students] get out of it? Interesting economics problems, a chance to show off their econ skills, team learning, the thrills of competition, and - ultimately - an edge in the AP exam.
COMMENTS FROM CHAD YAMAMOTO
MARYKNOLL CLASS OF 2002
Interscholastic competitions bring out a new spirit in students. The Hawaii Economics Challenge is no different than a math or science competition. It provides a motivation factor in students to do better in their economics class. The Challenge motivated my class to do better, to prove to the Hawaii economics community of our abilities in economics and of the amazing abilities of our teacher…
My class was blessed to have an educator who was willing to go above the norm to educate his class, which coupled with the motivation brought upon by the competition taught our class far more than we might have in class. It allowed our teacher to increase the rigorous level of our course without complaints from the class. In addition, our class came in on weekends and during free time to learn more.
This motivation grew into an appreciation for the field of economics. As we worked and studied, the class soon began to fall in love with what we were studying and embraced all that it had to offer. As a result of our class, many are now planning or are pursuing degrees in economics and in business economics.
Outside of economics, the competition brought our class together. My economics class that participated changed acquaintances into long-lasting friendships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime…
The Economics Challenge… motivates students to learn more, to appreciate economics, and to build long lasting friendships. Every school in Hawaii with an economics program should become a part of this growing competition and recognize its positive benefits.