As high schools place greater emphasis on real-world learning and career readiness, business courses face a familiar challenge: how to make foundational concepts engaging, relevant and memorable for students with little to no prior exposure to business.
One instructional approach gaining traction is the use of business simulations, which allow students to learn by doing, making decisions, seeing outcomes, and adjusting strategies in a realistic business environment.
What Research Tells Us
A 2024 study examining the Effect of Business Games on High School Students’ Learning Perception and Satisfaction found that students who participated in business games reported higher levels of perceived learning and satisfaction compared to more traditional instructional approaches. Importantly, these positive effects were observed at the high-school level, reinforcing that simulations are not just effective in higher education, but also appropriate for secondary learners.
These findings align with broader research on experiential learning, which shows that students learn more effectively when they actively apply concepts rather than passively receiving information.
Why Simulations Work for High School Business Students
High School Business courses introduce a wide range of concepts: marketing, finance, operations, management, and strategy. For many students, these topics can feel abstract when taught in isolation.
Business simulations help by:
- Placing concepts in a realistic, integrated context
- Encouraging decision-making and critical thinking
- Providing immediate feedback on decisions
- Increasing engagement and motivation through active participation
Rather than memorizing definitions, students experience how business decisions interact and affect outcomes.
A Research-Aligned Approach to Business Education
Business simulations such as MikesBikes Introduction are designed specifically for High School students. The simulation mirrors core business functions while remaining intuitive for first-time learners, allowing teachers to focus on discussion, reflection and concept reinforcement.
Key design principles include:
- Gradual introduction of new decision areas so students don’t get overwhelmed with business concepts
- Balanced complexity for high school students
- Opportunities for teamwork, reflection, and strategy adjustment
This approach reflects what current research suggests: when students are actively involved in realistic business scenarios, they are more likely to perceive the learning as meaningful and engaging.
Supporting Teachers and Students
Instructors consistently report that simulations help:
- Connect theory to real-world application
- Increase student confidence in understanding business concepts
- Spark richer classroom discussions
When used alongside traditional instruction, business simulations can serve as a powerful tool to reinforce learning and prepare students for further business education.
Research continues to highlight the value of business simulations in high school education, particularly for improving student engagement and perceived learning. For high school business courses, simulations offer a practical way to bring foundational concepts to life, helping students not just learn about business, but experience it.
Interested in bringing simulation-based learning into your classroom? Explore how Smartsims can support your teaching goals.