Using the Significant Learning Taxonomy to Achieve Pathways Commission Goals

• In Event: Reception with ELS posters
  In Poster Session: Effective Learning Strategies Session

Abstract

From the Accounting Education Change Commission to the Pathways Commission, accounting educators have sought ways to make accounting education more relevant to the actual, future role of practicing accountants. This includes an emphasis on self-directed (intentional) learning, critical thinking, use of authentic resources, and life-long learning. The six principles of the significant learning taxonomy, developed by L. Dee Fink (2003), provide an effective framework for ensuring that the design of an accounting course supports the objectives of the AAA, most recently promulgated by the Pathways Commission. In our poster presentation, we will summarize the six principles of Fink’s framework, then illustrates how we have incorporated these principles into the following undergraduate accounting courses: Financial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, and Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting. We will discuss our evaluation techniques. This presentation also includes a cross-walk that ties the significant learning taxonomy to major objectives of the Pathways Commission. Our objective is to introduce other accounting educators to the significant learning taxonomy and to encourage them to adopt the taxonomy to help improve the effectiveness of their courses, to align with current goals of AAA.

Authors

• Larita J Killian, Indiana University - Purdue University - Columbus

• Christopher Brandon, Indiana University - Purdue University - Columbus