The Importance of Critical Thinking Skills in Accounting Education

AC550 - Critical Perspectives in Accounting
Individual Critical Research Paper

Lecturer: Mary Canning

2012 Gillian Bane 58043884
4/20/2012
AC550 - Critical Perspectives in Accounting
Individual Critical Research Paper

Lecturer: Mary Canning

2012 Gillian Bane 58043884
4/20/2012

Contents

Critical Research Paper……………………………………………………………………………2

- Chosen Topic……………………………….……………………………………………….2 - Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………3
- Critical Thinking- Definitions and Importance………………………………4
- Accounting Education- Its Current State and Criticisms……………….5 - Incorporating Critical Thinking Skills into Accounting Syllabi- Examples and Challenges………………………………………………….7
- The Future of Accounting Education – A Critical Discussion……….11
- Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….12

Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………………..13

Declaration……………………………………………………………………………………………16

Topic 4

In 1991, Power accused accounting syllabi as being swamped by regulatory pronouncements at the expense of critical and reflective skills. In 2011, this accusation is even more relevant as we face the issuance of further lengthy accounting standards and regulations dealing with complex accounting issues. Critically discuss this accusation in light of your understanding of accounting education.

Introduction
In 1991, when Power made such accusations about current accounting syllabi, he was reiterating concerns articulated by Zeff (1979, cited in Power 1991). Zeff maintained for many years that accounting syllabi had been swamped by regulatory pronouncements at the expense of critical and reflective skills. Yet as over three decades have passed, one would assume that such a significant issue would undoubtedly have been addressed, and corresponding reform would have materialised. Yet in 2012, this is far from the case. The financial scandals that have dominated the 21st century and the complex accounting

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