The Effectiveness of Interactive Professional Learning Experiences as a Pedagogical Tool: Evidence from an Audit Setting

Posted: 28 Jun 2004

See all articles by Kevin Francis Brown

Kevin Francis Brown

Wright State University - Department of Accountancy

Christopher P. Agoglia

University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Maria H. Sanchez

Rider University - Department of Accounting

Date Written: May 20, 2004

Abstract

This paper describes and documents evidence of the pedagogical value of an interactive professional learning experience (IPLE). IPLE exposes students to realistic practice environments within the classroom by bringing practitioners together with students in a professional supervisory setting. Practitioners review students' work, then meet with students one-on-one to provide feedback on their work. The efficacy of IPLE was evaluated utilizing a between-subjects experimental design in which learning outcomes for participants were compared to a control group who received the same instruction and completed the same written assignment, but did not participate in the professional interaction. Additionally, pre- and post-tests of students' knowledge allowed for a within-subjects assessment of knowledge acquisition. The results suggest that participation in the IPLE improves students' performance on a skills test of relevant material and increases their perceptions of knowledge. Additionally, results indicate that students consider the IPLE a positive experience. Consistent with the students' perceptions, the audit professionals perceived this IPLE as an effective learning experience.

Keywords: Discovery learning, accounting education, interactive learning, experiential learning, supervisory review

JEL Classification: M41, M49, I20

Suggested Citation

Brown, Kevin Francis and Agoglia, Christopher P. and Sanchez, Maria H., The Effectiveness of Interactive Professional Learning Experiences as a Pedagogical Tool: Evidence from an Audit Setting (May 20, 2004). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=559152

Kevin Francis Brown (Contact Author)

Wright State University - Department of Accountancy ( email )

240 Rike Hall
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy.
Dayton, OH 45435-0001
United States

Christopher P. Agoglia

University of Massachusetts at Amherst ( email )

Department of Accounting & Information Systems
121 Presidents Drive
Amherst, MA 01003-4910
United States
413 545-5582 (Phone)
413 545-3858 (Fax)

Maria H. Sanchez

Rider University - Department of Accounting ( email )

2083 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville Township, NJ 08648
United States

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