Effective Learning Strategies Forum - Poster Sessions
Tuesday, August 5, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

27. Teaching Various Topics in Tax I and Tax II Using Self-Generated Elaborations
Presenters: Lloyd G. Sage, Governors State University
Judith A. Sage, Chicago State University

Description: This research involves a longitudinal study of a self-generated elaboration method (Project) in which the students actively participated in the learning process by obtaining and organizing information on selected technical tax topics in two tax courses (Tax I and Tax II) taught by the same instructor. The short-term and long-term effects of the Project were investigated for both courses. Also, the student perceptions of the benefits of (1) the self-generated elaboration project, (2) reading the textbook, and (3) reviewing the textbook examples in (a) understanding the topics, (b) doing the homework, and (c) preparing for a quiz (exam) were investigated by obtaining student opinions from a questionnaire in Tax II. The elaboration projects were as effective in learning various tax topics as either reading the textbook or reviewing the textbook examples. It appears that these self-generated elaboration projects were a good alternative method of teaching selected technical tax topics that permitted the students to organize information as suggested by the AECC (1990). Also, the projects gave the students an opportunity to develop their critical-thinking and writing skills as recommended by the AICPA (1999) in the Framework project.

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