American Accounting Association 2006 Midwest Region Meeting March 30 – April 1 Chicago, Illinois

Saturday, April 1, 11:00 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
Concurrent session 6C - Classroom Exercises (Teaching and Curriculum)

Title: Personalized Assignments in a Large Lecture Introductory Accounting Class

Fred Jacobs Michigan State University

ABSTRACT: Among the many challenges in large introductory accounting classes is the prevention of inappropriate student collaboration (i.e., cheating) on homework problems and examinations. This paper describes a mechanism for randomizing problem parameters and text, creating as many unique versions of a problem as there are students in a class. The result is that students can no longer simply copy numbers from one another but must actually help one another learn the course material. The system that is used is Learning Online Network with a Computer-Assisted Personalized Approach. It was created at Michigan State University and can be used concurrently with any course management system. With this system, I have been able to increase the percentage of non-exam points in my class, with the assurance that these points reflect individual student knowledge and performance. One of the most critical variables for learning – time on task – has been dramatically increased, and in a way that students accept and appreciate. The randomization system can also be used in smaller, advanced managerial accounting classes, and in financial accounting classes as well.

Back to the program