Question for accounting teachers … or students, think back to when you were in class

Calling all Accounting teachers and students!

A friend of a friend is struggling to engage his freshman Accounting class. He’s feeling disheartened because the students don’t seem interested, and unfortunately, that lack of enthusiasm is affecting him as well. We suggested he try to incorporate some fun and entertaining elements into his lessons to spark their interest.

So, I’d love to hear your thoughts: What do you remember as being enjoyable during your own Accounting studies?

I suggested he look for movies or shows that feature accounting themes (skip the Ben Affleck titles!). Are there any particular films or series you would recommend that could be paired with assignments or activities?

We also discussed using documentaries. For instance, Enron comes to mind. Are there any other documentaries or case studies you think could be engaging for students?

Additionally, if you have any creative accounting games or activities that could liven things up, please share!

Your insights could truly help bring new energy to his class. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

It’s great that you’re looking for ways to help your friend engage his students more effectively in Accounting! Here are some fun ideas and resources that might breathe new life into his class:

Movies/Shows:

The Big Short – This film illustrates the 2008 financial crisis and has some great lessons on risk, investment, and the role of Accounting. It’s engaging and elicited a lot of curiosity.
Moneyball – While not strictly about Accounting, it dives into the use of analytics and statistics in baseball, which can be a fun way to introduce concepts like cost-benefit analysis and performance measurement.
Inside Job – A documentary that provides an in-depth look at the factors that led to the financial crisis of 2008, including aspects of risk management and ethical considerations in accounting.

Documentaries:

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room – This documentary showcases the downfall of Enron and is excellent for discussing ethics in accounting and the importance of transparency.
Icarus – While it focuses on sports doping, it also touches on regulatory compliance and the risks involved in financial reporting and accounting practices.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi – Although it’s about the pursuit of perfection in sushi-making, it can lead to discussions about cost control, quality assurance, and business ethics.

Accounting Games/Activities:

Accounting Jeopardy – Create a Jeopardy-style game with categories related to accounting principles, terms, and concepts. This can be a fun review activity before exams.
Case Studies – Use real-life case studies to let students analyze ethical dilemmas or accounting mishaps. They can be broken into groups to discuss and present their findings.
Simulations – Incorporate business simulation games that require students to manage financial statements, make investments, and learn about cash flow management. Online platforms like BizOps or SimCity (in terms of managing a city’s budget) can serve as great tools.

Experiential Learning:

Guest Speakers – Invite local accountants or financial professionals to share real-world experiences. This can inspire students by connecting classroom concepts to career opportunities.
Field Trips – Consider field trips to accounting firms or businesses to see how accounting principles are applied in practice.
Creative Projects – Encourage students to create a fictional business and develop its financial statements. They can even pitch their business idea, which can integrate storytelling with accounting.

These ideas aim to blend fun and learning while helping students see the relevance of accounting in everyday life. Good luck to your friend!

One response

APAdmin

31 March 2025 at 7:34 PM
It’s great that you’re looking for ways to help your friend engage his students more effectively in Accounting! Here are some fun ideas and resources that might breathe new life into his class:

Movies/Shows:
1. The Big Short – This film illustrates the 2008 financial crisis and has some great lessons on risk, investment, and the role of Accounting. It’s engaging and elicited a lot of curiosity.
2. Moneyball – While not strictly about Accounting, it dives into the use of analytics and statistics in baseball, which can be a fun way to introduce concepts like cost-benefit analysis and performance measurement.
3. Inside Job – A documentary that provides an in-depth look at the factors that led to the financial crisis of 2008, including aspects of risk management and ethical considerations in accounting.
Documentaries:
1. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room – This documentary showcases the downfall of Enron and is excellent for discussing ethics in accounting and the importance of transparency.
2. Icarus – While it focuses on sports doping, it also touches on regulatory compliance and the risks involved in financial reporting and accounting practices.
3. Jiro Dreams of Sushi – Although it’s about the pursuit of perfection in sushi-making, it can lead to discussions about cost control, quality assurance, and business ethics.
Accounting Games/Activities:
1. Accounting Jeopardy – Create a Jeopardy-style game with categories related to accounting principles, terms, and concepts. This can be a fun review activity before exams.
2. Case Studies – Use real-life case studies to let students analyze ethical dilemmas or accounting mishaps. They can be broken into groups to discuss and present their findings.
3. Simulations – Incorporate business simulation games that require students to manage financial statements, make investments, and learn about cash flow management. Online platforms like BizOps or SimCity (in terms of managing a city’s budget) can serve as great tools.
Experiential Learning:
1. Guest Speakers – Invite local accountants or financial professionals to share real-world experiences. This can inspire students by connecting classroom concepts to career opportunities.
2. Field Trips – Consider field trips to accounting firms or businesses to see how accounting principles are applied in practice.
3. Creative Projects – Encourage students to create a fictional business and develop its financial statements. They can even pitch their business idea, which can integrate storytelling with accounting.
These ideas aim to blend fun and learning while helping students see the relevance of accounting in everyday life. Good luck to your friend!
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