Using Actual Products to Enhance Learning in Introductory Accounting Classes

• In Event: ELS Posters & Ice-cream Social

Abstract

This session describes how you can combine two tools in your classroom to increase students’ engagement and enhance students’ understanding of basic cost accounting concepts in an introductory accounting class. The first tool is the use of current news items to bring real life cost accounting issues faced by manufacturers into the classroom. The second tool is the actual product discussed in the news item. By bringing the actual product into the classroom, students can visually relate the discussion topic to the actual product, thereby bringing the topic to life for the students. Students are more engaged in the discussion as they use the actual product to identify the correct classification of product and period costs. This increased engagement results in a higher level of understanding and retention.

Authors

• John Dexter, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

• Wendy Tietz, Kent State University - Kent