Investing in ETFs – A digital-based modelling task for mathematics lessons

Wiehe, K.; Quarder, J.

Abstract

There is a growing interest in financial education among young people, including many schoolchildren. This is demonstrated in the popularity of German YouTube channels such as "Finanzfluss" or "Finanztip" among this target group. At the same time, many school leavers criticise the fact that school does not provide sufficient preparation for personal investment and financial planning. Working on reality-based tasks in mathematics lessons can help to close this gap. For this reason, a digital-based modelling task on the topic of "Investing in ETFs" was developed. The task asks learners to analyse the performance of an ETF using mathematical concepts such as slope triangles, exponential functions and spreadsheets. The task offers the opportunity to address the risks associated with stock market products and to encourage learners to think critically in this context.