The Poverty Simulator: Experiential Learning for Family and Consumer Sciences Students

Abstract

Experiential learning has been identified as a powerful teaching tool to enhance learning among university students. To foster a greater understanding of individuals and families who live in poverty, and their daily struggles and stressors, students had the opportunity to participate in the “Community Action Poverty Simulation” (CAPS). The positive outcomes of the project were measured by verbal and written feedback from faculty and students. Students reported having an increased awareness of the prevalence of poverty, a greater understanding of how various social service and government agencies aim to assist those in poverty, and a deeper awareness of how poverty affects family functioning. Based on the success of the project, CAPS may be considered a “Promising Practice.”