Problem #5 - Transitional Problems for Accounting Majors Moving to Intermediate Accounting The new curriculum does not formally introduce debits and credits, trial balances, the accounting cycle, closing entries, and other terminology, concepts, and topics related to the preparation of accounting information. However, the new curriculum does include the basics of transaction analysis, but debit/credit analysis is replaced with a worksheet/computer spreadsheet approach that focuses on increases/decreases in assets, liabilities, and owners' equity. Since all intermediate accounting texts assume that students have had prior exposure to these ideas, introductory accounting students who go on to become accounting majors need to be provided with instructional materials on these topics early on in their first intermediate accounting course. Solution to Problem #5 Intermediate accounting instructors have tried two different approaches to deal with this problem: Assign a computer-based training module (available commercially) for students to complete, working independently at their own pace. Utilize "bridging" instructional materials created by the project team for use during the first several sessions of the first course in intermediate accounting. It appears that students who have mastered the worksheet/computer spreadsheet approach to transaction analysis that is now presented in introductory accounting have little difficulty in making the transition to debits and credits under either of these approaches. [ Previous | Next ] 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