Curriculum Review for Accounting and Finance Subjects of ABM Students”: Basis for Plan of Action

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Possessing accounting skills is one of the competitive advantages of an ABM student. Teachers in accounting and finance subjects give their best in making learning materials which can be easily understood by their students. Knowing that most of the ABM students have no background in accounting, they find it hard to comprehend the lessons. The researcher encountered problems in implementing accounting and finance curriculum. Some of these were the short time allotment on competency that required analyzation of transactions, adjustments of entry, and balancing the accounting equation. In this study, the researcher assessed the curriculum, identified the topics student find difficult, and assessed the teaching strategies applied in different lessons.

METHODS

The researcher used the descriptive method to identify the areas where ABM students have difficulties in analyzing accounting transactions and preparing financial statements. It also aimed to assess the curriculum used in the subjects of accounting and finance. This study was conducted among eighty (80) ABM students of Alupay National High School, District of Rosario East and five (5) teachers of ABM strand in Rosario District. Two sets of questionnaires were used. For the students, they will assess the topics that they find difficult to comprehend while for the teachers, the teaching strategies applied and assessment of the curriculum.

RESULTS

Based from the results, it was found out that unfamiliarity in accounting terms and difficulty in analyzing business transactions were the factors that lead to the students’ confusion on getting the correct amount of balances at the end of the period. Accounting and finance were new subjects that required critical thinking and analyzation. Most of ABM teachers used collaborative approach such as the jigsaw method where learners work in small group and allows interaction among the learners and think -pair-share where learners will get a partner and partakes knowledge and learnings about the subject.

DISCUSSIONS

Accounting and finance subject require the learner to understand the step by step procedure to achieve the right answer. Each step requires analyzation and understanding the procedure. Providing the learners with critical learning exercises helps them to develop their cognitive skills. Improved module designed for ABM students will be of great help for them to acquire accounting skills necessary to be competitive. More number of hours should be given on the competency that requires analyzation and critical thinking analysis.