Learning to think: using coursework to develop higher-order academic and practitioner skills among final year accounting students

This paper describes an assignment designed for a final year management accounting unit/module on a portfolio of accounting programmes, all of which are accredited by one or more of the UK-based professional accounting bodies. Its aim is to stimulate the development and use of higher-level academic and written communication and presentation skills through a formative assessment which offers challenging topics, an interesting ‘journal article’ format for presentation, copious guidance and feedback, and opportunities for self-reflection. This particular focus for the coursework ensures that an overall balance is achieved on the unit between higher academic skills and professional practitioner skills, when the examination paper for the unit is also taken into consideration. The format of this exercise would be readily transferable to many other subject areas.