4 Best Online Teaching Strategies for Quantitative Subjects

The pandemic has required teachers to change and adapt their educational strategies to meet the needs of learners in an online environment. I have recently had the pleasure of teaching Financial Accounting to students in a completely online mode. To be honest, I had some initial hesitation about how to teach a quantitative subject without the benefit of face to face interactions, but I was able to find ways to effectively engage the students and facilitate their learning using various technology-based solutions.

Blackboard’s Quiz function

I set up numerous short quizzes on Blackboard to provide feedback to students on each topic. I created “pools” of questions with multiple-choice questions and calculation questions that required students to fill in numerical answers. For example, each pool might have 20 or more questions and each student would receive a random selection of 10 questions to answer. This did take quite a lot of time investment initially, however, the question pools can be enhanced and recycled numerous times.

The quizzes are automatically graded and correct answers are visible so students receive immediate feedback on their level of understanding of the topic. Students would then have a second chance to repeat the quiz (with a new random set of questions) in their own time with the higher grade being counted. This strategy encourages the students to take note of their mistakes and seek clarifications.

Using Excel to solve questions in real-time

In a face to face environment, I would typically solve questions with the students by using the whiteboard and explaining the processes in a step by step format. To simulate the same learning experience in an online setting, I created basic Excel sheets with question data for at least two questions per topic and stored them on Blackboard. During the class, I would open the Excel file and invite students to open it on their computers at the same time. I would typically then solve the first question with the students by typing in the solution into the Excel file while explaining the process. The students would then solve the second question themselves and share their answers with the class.

The added benefit of this approach is that I could then post the Excel answer sheet on to the Blackboard for the students to review and my answers could be more structured (and perhaps more legible!) compared to the whiteboard version.

Using Online Annual Reports of well-known companies

In order to illustrate the relevance of the accounting concepts in the real world, I organized the students to work in breakout groups to access different online financial statements. The students were asked to find specific information related to the concepts discussed and then report back to the class. This helped the students see how accounting concepts are applied in actual companies and gave them the chance to discuss ideas in small groups and learn from one another. The students appreciated the chance to work with their peers with the chance to solicit feedback from the teacher.

Adding an element of fun and competition

Students at all levels seem to enjoy games and competitions. I found a simple inventory simulation game that we played together in class to highlight the importance of sales forecasting and inventory management. The students also enjoyed a game of Kahoot as a review of some of the course concepts. These activities were not graded but contributed to class participation and added variety to the learning environment.

Overall, the online teaching experience has been very rewarding with active student engagement and positive learning outcomes. I look forward to meeting my students online and seeking new ways to motivate and inspire them.