An International Meeting of the American Accounting Association 2005 Annual Meeting August 7–10, 2005 San Francisco, California Come to the City by the Bay!

Effective Learning Strategies Forum
Tuesday, August 9, 2005

Session 16
Developing Critical-Thinking Skills in Principles of Accounting

Presenters:
Tracy S. Manly, University of Tulsa
Constance A. McKnight, Arkansas Tech University

Description:
This semester-long project focuses on groups of students applying their basic knowledge of accounting to a specific company in an industry selected by the professor. Various accounting and business topics, many of which do not have clear solutions, are assigned throughout the semester. Students are required to solve the problems using the framework of their specific company. Topics can range from ethical issues such as oversees outsourcing to save costs to financial ratio analysis. The assignments have written and oral presentation requirements. In addition, the class participates in open discussions about group findings for understanding and analysis. This project allows students to develop higher-order thinking skills that will be utilized in upper-level classes and the business environment.

Project goals include the students:

• Spending time applying and reflecting on ideas presented in class and reading assignments
• Evaluating accounting topics rather than merely memorizing facts
• Seeing alternative accounting methods of business
• Seeing connections between accounting topics
• Refining written communication, oral communication, and research skills

The presenters will explain the organization and the benefits of this semester-long project. In addition, completed student projects will be available for examination.

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