Writing Analyst Reports with Revisions: An Assignment with Milestones to Achieve Learning

• In Event: Teaching Resources: Financial Accounting

Abstract

This paper describes a financial statement analysis course project with learning milestones. Such projects are often used in accounting courses as “one and done” term paper assignments in which students are assessed. However, pedagogical theory suggests supporting activities for high stakes assignments improve student learning as well as the quality of the final project. We specifically develop our course project assignment and its supporting activities using the principles from the instructional design model advocated by Anson (2007). The instructional design model suggests supporting activities facilitate learning. The course project’s supporting activities include computer lab sessions, draft papers, peer review of writing and paper revision. The supporting activities allow students to use the project for learning by revising their work. The supporting activities keep students engaged in the project throughout the semester rather than merely the week it is due. Student and instructor feedback suggests the supporting activities positively influence learning.

Authors

• Stephanie Dehning Grimm, University of St Thomas - Minneapolis

• Janell Leigh Blazovich, University of St Thomas - Minneapolis