Abstract:

This experimental study had tested the effectiveness of case study method towards competency development of students taking Introductory Accounting subject in a secondary school in Malaysia. The competencies involved were problem solving and communication skills. The main purpose of the study was to compare the case study and traditional teaching methods by addressing the impact of both methods towards competency development. It was a quasi experimental study that involved 61 students. The time frame of the study was eight weeks. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The finding showed that development of problem solving and communication skills were higher and significant for the case study group compare to the traditional teaching group. Overall, most of the students involved in the case study method perceived the approach as motivating and useful in understanding the topics in the subject. Thus, the case study method should be widely used as a teaching method in Accounting, especially at the secondary level.

Keywords:

Case study, traditional teaching method, competency, problem solving, communication.