Innovations IN THIRD-LEVEL ACCOUNTING EDUCATION

While the knowledge base of the accounting profession is one of its distinguishing features, educators increasingly face tensions between teaching the breadth and depth of the technical aspects of accounting while also facilitating students' engagement with the broader context in which the accounting discipline is applied. With a shared desire to reflect the reality of tax in practice for their students, their group-based project involving students in the US and Ireland seeks to increase awareness of ethical issues as well as an understanding of international corporate tax planning opportunities and techniques. Peter Weadack at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dún Laoghaire uses a narrative or 'storytelling' approach, involving the five essential elements of a story (characters, setting, conflict, plot and resolution) to help students understand the contents and use of financial statements.