The Influence of Business Case Studies on Learning Styles: An Empirical Investigation

Accounting Education: An international journal

Posted: 15 Aug 2010

See all articles by Ralph W. Adler

Ralph W. Adler

University of Otago - Department of Accountancy and Finance

Rosalind H. Whiting

University of Otago - Department of Accountancy and Finance

Kate Wynn-Williams

University of Otago - Department of Accountancy and Finance

Date Written: June 2008

Abstract

The use of business case studies has been promoted frequently as a method for providing realistic learning scenarios and for developing accounting graduates who are active and independent learners. This article extends a recent study into the use of case studies (Adler et al. 2004, Accounting Education: an international journal, 13(2), 213–229). The results of the second survey confirm and extend those of the first, namely, that a lack of active involvement in cases results in less balanced learning styles. Further, even when students have experienced the benefits of active participation, the suspension of such involvement also leads to an erosion of learning style balance. That is, not only is it important to consider how case involvement occurs, it is also necessary to maintain business case activity. The result of noninvolvement is a stronger tendency to acquire information from theoretical bases rather than from concrete experience.

Keywords: case studies, learning styles, repeated studies, active learning

JEL Classification: I20, M40

Suggested Citation

Adler, Ralph W. and Whiting, Rosalind H. and Wynn-Williams, Kate, The Influence of Business Case Studies on Learning Styles: An Empirical Investigation (June 2008). Accounting Education: An international journal, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1658262

Ralph W. Adler

University of Otago - Department of Accountancy and Finance ( email )

PO Box 56
Dunedin
NEW ZEALAND
+64 3 479 8192 ext. 7677 (Phone)
+64 3 479 8450 (Fax)

Rosalind H. Whiting

University of Otago - Department of Accountancy and Finance ( email )

Dunedin
New Zealand

Kate Wynn-Williams (Contact Author)

University of Otago - Department of Accountancy and Finance ( email )

Dunedin
NEW ZEALAND

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