The Usefulness of Student Evaluations for Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teaching of Financial Accounting Students at a South African University

Abstract

Purpose – Effectiveness of teaching at universities, in general, has been the focus of many researchers for decades. The public concern about the quality of first year accounting education, in particular, is worth the attention of researchers at tertiary institutions. Student evaluation is the primary tool used by accounting administrators to evaluate teaching effectiveness.

This study aims to determine the effect on teaching of perceptions of first year financial accounting students on a specific module and the lecturer characteristics that they consider effective in their learning process. Further aims are to provide useful information to lecturers on teaching methods and lecturer characteristics that could enhance effectiveness of teaching.

Methodology – In this study, various aspects on teaching methods and lecturer characteristics are investigated. Student feedback data is collected for a full time lecturer. Surveying methodology using questionnaires is utilised to conduct the study. A pool of questions is created accompanied by a five-point Likert scale. A statistical analysis (descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis) is applied to these questionnaires.

Findings – From this analysis, the findings reveal that all independent variables (knowledge, personality and attitude in general) have a positive influence on enhancing effectiveness of teaching. The results of the study highlight that course content, knowledge, personality and attitude of a lecturer play an important role in determining effectiveness of teaching in financial accounting.

Value – The results of the study would be useful to the accounting lecturers, students, education departments and academic researchers to better understand the needs of accounting students in their learning process. Results of student evaluations not only provide valuable information which could be used for managing the course and study content but it could also be used for individual improvement by the lecturer. For the students, the improvement of teaching effectiveness based on the evaluation process may ultimately enhance knowledge acquisition.

Citation

van der Merwe, D.C. (2012), "The Usefulness of Student Evaluations for Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teaching of Financial Accounting Students at a South African University", Tauringana, V. and Mangena, M. (Ed.) Accounting in Africa (Research in Accounting in Emerging Economies, Vol. 12 Part A), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 107-126. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-3563(2012)000012A009