Opportunity for accounting academics to show off their innovative teaching methods

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Looking at ways to do this, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is asking accounting academics to present their innovative classroom teaching approaches at the third Southern African Accounting Association (SAAA) Teaching and Learning Conference taking place at the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth from 6 to 7 December 2018. Prize money to the value of R50,000 will be awarded to the best ideas and concepts, and academics have until 27 July to submit an abstract of their idea / concept for consideration.

Meeting the educational needs of a new generation

"In a world of exponential and continuous change, it has become more critical than ever to ensure that the role and teachings of chartered accountants (CAs[SA]) remain relevant. Yet, as technology continues to improve and become more prevalent in the accounting space, we are also required to revise teaching and learning approaches used so as to create future CAs(SA) who are relevant. Teaching and learning also needs to adapt so we can continue to meet the educational needs of the new generation," says Mandi Olivier, SAICA’s senior executive for professional development.

Over the years, there has been a flood of research on how technology, when used correctly, helps students to learn. "But,’" says Olivier, "innovation is not just about the way we use technology; it is a way of thinking that provides students with the creative tools they can use to succeed in today’s ever-changing economy. And who better to show us what works in the classroom than those who interact with students on a daily basis?"

Keeping abreast of evolving student needs

In support of the 2018 SAAA Teaching and Learning in Accountancy conference, SAICA is sponsoring the prize for the best paper submitted for Track two – Innovative Teaching Initiative. Academics are encouraged to demonstrate how they continue to adapt their teaching methods and practices in order to keep abreast of the evolving needs of accounting students at all academic levels.

Accounting academics who wish to showcase their teaching innovations with the purpose of promoting quality teaching, are requested to submit a 1,500 word abstract outlining their teaching innovation along with details on:

• The innovation
• Motivation/purpose of the innovation
• Experience and reflection of academics/educators
• Students’ experience
• Results/practical implications
• Challenges and limitations
• Contribution/value of innovative teaching initiative
• Photos and illustrations where applicable.

Potential participants should submit their abstracts by 27 July to Professor Ilse Lubbe, SAAA vice president, at az.ca.tcu@ebbul.esli. All abstracts will go through an evaluation process of the innovative teaching initiative, its value, and its contribution to teaching and learning. The academics who submit the top ten abstracts will then be asked to present their techniques at this year’s SAAA Teaching and Learning Conference at the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth between 6 and 7 December 2018. Once evaluated, papers selected will be given an opportunity to ‘show and tell’ all about their innovative approaches, and also share in the prize valued at R50,000.

Academics who wish to enter can go to www.saaa.org.za for more information.