ERIC Number: EJ849649
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1011-3487
EISSN: N/A
An Evaluation of the Integration of a Board Game in Introductory Accounting
Fouche, J. P.; Visser, S. S.
South African Journal of Higher Education, v22 n3 p588-601 2008
Accounting education must change and be relevant to add value to learners and the community. Regarding the ever-changing corporate world, a new generation of learners (generation Y) at university, learners lacking skills, educators' resisting calls for change in accounting education and the need for continuous improvement, the teaching methodology can make a difference. This research forms part of a bigger project where a literature study is done on the teaching-learning environment, teaching methodologies and the requirements of the content for professional accountants' training. A very creative and effective teaching methodology such as a board game was developed to improve learners' interest, knowledge and skills in financial accounting on introductory level where reality can be simulated and the link between theory and practice can be illustrated. This research contains an evaluation of the integration of a board game in introductory accounting, and conclusions and recommendations will be made. The methodology used was an exploratory approach to test the effectiveness of the board game and to reach the objectives of the study, experimental research was used to evaluate the board game and a survey was used for data collection. The main findings regarding the profile of the participants, the effect of the experiment and the evaluation of the game with positive and negative remarks are stipulated. Although the results of the pre-test/post-test comparison were inconclusive, it was concluded that the project contributed to the setting of a favourable learning environment, enhancing the learners' technical competencies and soft skills as well as broadening their view of the roles of the accountant. The project was also found to be an effective teaching methodology strengthening the link between theory and practice. Various further research possibilities exist--such as to incorporate the game into other subjects, to evaluate the game at multicultural universities, among learners without accounting knowledge and among previously disadvantaged learners. (Contains 8 tables and 2 graphs.)
Descriptors: Surveys, Instructional Effectiveness, Theory Practice Relationship, Teaching Methods, Accounting, Educational Environment, Introductory Courses, Educational Change, Course Content, Education Work Relationship, Knowledge Level, Cultural Pluralism, Higher Education
Unisa Press. Preller Street, P.O. Box 392, Muckleneuk, Pretoria 0003, South Africa. Tel: +27-24-298960; Fax: +27-24-293449; e-mail: sajhe@vodamail.co.za; Web site: http://www.sajhe.org.za
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A