It calls upon student teams to engage in role-play, acting as economic advisers to several U.S. Presidents during different historical periods. Throughout the course, the various teams review, synthesize and evaluate the various economic concepts that formed the basis of U.S. monetary and fiscal policy during the terms of office of their assigned Presidents. To enrich the learning experience, the briefing takes place in a replica of the Oval Office in the school's amphitheater. Participants wear the attire of the day and a mask of the particular President being briefed is used to add further realism to the simulation. Through this innovative exercise, students gain the added experience of public speaking and learn firsthand the key elements of an effective presentation.
Students like to know what they are talking about in front of their peers.
I believe that when a student must prepare and deliver an oral presentation, he or she has the incentive to learn and fully understand the material. We applaud Mr. Rankin for his extremely creative efforts in advancing economic literacy and we congratulate him on winning this distinguished teaching award. Mr. Rankin teaches Advanced Placement Economics as well as Money Management and Investments at the Iolani School. Prior to joining the school in 1994, Mr. Rankin was an officer in the United States Army. During his military career, which spanned 26 years, Mr. Rankin achieved the rank of Colonel.