Major Features That Distinguish The New Courses From Traditional Courses Six major features set the CSU, Chico model apart from traditional courses: User Orientation - Accounting knowledge is addressed from the point of view of the user/decision-maker rather than from the perspective of the preparer of accounting information. Problem-solving skills - To enhance a student's problem solving skills, many of the individual and group assignments have no right answers, but instead allow for a range of defensible solutions Interpersonal Skills - Students are placed in the active learning mode with a major emphasis on group activities in order to provide them with opportunities to develop communication and other interpersonal skills. Computer Skills - Students are required to prepare all homework solutions using appropriate word processing and/or computer spreadsheet applications in order to improve their computer skills. No handwritten solutions are accepted. Serial Cases - Within each semester, many of the student assignments (both individual and small group assignments) involve a sequence of decisions related to a single company as it moves through time. The case framework provides a realistic context in which to present accounting concepts. Simulation - In order to acquaint students with features of "real" production processes that underlie accounting information, a manufacturing simulation was created involving assembly line activities for the production of automobiles using toy blocks. Each of these features is described further in the paragraphs that follow. Home | Overview | Introduction | Motivation for Change Structure of the New Courses | Obstacles | Resources | Outcome Measures Reaction of Interested Parties | Recommendations for Interested Parties | Links | Index