Comments

I've been involved this week as the "teacher in the room" (for the law topics) for a CPA Exam Review Course. It's a national review course--with videotaped lectures and an accompanying textbook. Several things came to my mind as I sat through today's four hour session.

First, something that really bothers me about the Phase 4 Math class is this. I have personally embraced the teaching philosophy that if I am teaching the "cream of the crop" --students who are intelligent and highly motivated, then I ought to be able to "move mountains" with these kids. That is, if I have students who have the ability to do well and who are motivated to do well, then they ought to be doing well!! And, this ought to be reflected in their grades.

And if they aren't doing well, then there's a darn good chance that the problem is with me (whether it be the materials or ineffective teaching or a combination thereof).

Second, I kept noticing how effectively the CPA Review course (both the text and the videotaped lecture) presented the material. The content itself was presented in a form that was clear and coherent. The presenter was constantly weaving in stories and examples to explain the rules and concepts. Multiple practice problems with detailed answers are also provided.

BTW, in the text's introduction, the authors point out that repetition is a very effective learning tool and then they remind the students that the secret to memorization is repetition.

Of course, there is an end game in mind. The goal is for the students to successfully pass the CPA Exam--yes, they are teaching to a test! And the materials are designed to achieve that end. In the end, to be successful, the students have to do the hard work of studying, but the materials are designed to help them in every way possible! That, in my mind, is what effective teaching should look like.

-- KarenA - 23 Jun 2006

Catherine--

I have some thoughts and insights to share with you (based on a true story of parents who had finally had it), but I should probably do it offline. Should I email you?

-- KarenA - 23 Jun 2006

Karen absolutely - hang on, I'm going to email you first, if I can -

-- CatherineJohnson - 23 Jun 2006