Small EL: Hands-On Securities Trading Practice

In this Small EL experience, students participate in a simulated trading session using professional trading software to practice placing client orders, interpreting market information, and managing trades in a realistic financial environment. The activity provides an authentic securities trading experience that mirrors industry practice. Working in a dedicated trading laboratory, students execute client orders accurately, interpret order books, and make decisions under time pressure while avoiding speculative trading. Guided reflection helps students connect technical skills with professional judgment and develop confidence in a simulated workplace setting.

• Activity Setting: Lab
• Time for activity: 1 Lab/Tutorial
• Assessment Approach: Participation
• Assessment Type: Continuous Fedback
• Weight in Final Grade: Total participation is 6% of final grade

Learning outcomes

• Students learn how to place buy and sell orders using the Rotman Interactive Trading platform.
• Students interpret order books and respond appropriately to client trading scenarios.
• Students apply course concepts to make informed trading decisions in a simulated market environment.

Course description

A comprehensive exploration of security analysis and investments aimed at advancing understanding of financial markets, valuation techniques, and portfolio selection under various investment objectives. Topics such as capital allocation, diversification, security (stocks, bonds, derivatives) valuation, and market efficiency are covered.

This is a course description from the UCalgary Academic Calendar. 

What worked well?

Students were highly engaged because the activity allowed them to practice real‑time trading in a simulated environment.

What challenges did you encounter?

Some students attempted to engage in speculation which would result in fines. 

How might students redo/try out or apply these skills in future opportunities?

Students can apply these trading skills in future finance courses and in professional settings that require familiarity with trading platforms.

• Format for reflection: Students complete a written reflection.
• Graded: Yes

Sample reflection prompt

"Using the FUSION metacognition module, students reflect on what they learned from the trading experience and how they applied course concepts during the simulation."

This is an excellent activity for exposing students to the mechanics of securities trading. It can include several activities that might take place during a trading career.

Advice for those seeking to try this activity

• Every trading simulation should be repeated at least three times, giving students a chance to learn, and try again.
• Instructors should use different simulations, as some students are more suited to short-term trading exercises, while others are better at lifetime portfolio management exercises. Giving students different experiences allows more diverse talents to excel.
• Some students are likely to have trading experience and find the simulations to be insufficiently challenging; other students may find this very challenging on their first attempt. Having student lab assistants is a great help to see who is struggling; in addition, many students more readily ask questions or ask for help from a peer.
   

• Kish, Richard J., and Karen M. Hogan. “Building a Financial Trading Lab: Step 1 and Beyond.” Journal of Financial Education, vol. 38, no. 1/2, Apr. 2012, pp. 13–33.
• McCurdy, Tom. “RIT SBL Package Overview.” University of Toronto, February 2024.