EXPLORING THE STUDENT PERCEPTION OF ACRONYM-BASED LEARNING APPROACH IN LEARNING ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AMONG NON-ACCOUNTING MAJOR STUDENTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/VoA.v22i1.11475Keywords:
Acronym-based learning approach, accounting principle, double entry system, mnemonic, non-accounting studentsAbstract
Non-accounting students often find it difficult to learn accounting and to see how it applies to their field of study, which causes them to lose interest. Therefore, an acronym-based learning approach has been introduced as an innovative teaching method. This study evaluates students’ perceptions of an acronym-based learning approach in enhancing the comprehension of accounting principles among non-accounting majors at a public university in Sarawak, Malaysia, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Using a modified questionnaire administered during the March 2024 semester, the results indicate that over 60% of students found the approach engaging, enjoyable, and effective in simplifying the double-entry system. The method improved understanding of key accounting concepts, including terminology, formulas, and account classifications, while also increasing motivation, focus, and ease of application. More than 70% acknowledged the supportive role of lecturers and peers in reinforcing their interest through this approach. Furthermore, 64%–87% of respondents agreed that the approach is most beneficial when integrated into a holistic learning environment featuring detailed tutorials, supplementary materials, interactive teaching, and collaborative learning. The study affirms the potential of acronym-based strategies to democratize accounting education for non-specialist learners. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
References
Abd Rahim, M. (2018). Another way of learning double entry in accounting: The mnemonic approach. Accounting Bulletin, 13–18.
Abu Bakar, M. A. A., Amirul, S. M., Ripain, N., Ab Fatah, N. S., & Bosi, M. K. (2020). A preliminary analysis of non-accounting students perception towards introductory accounting course among private instituition in Sabah. Malaysian Journal of Business and Economics (MJBE), (2), 1 - 11.
Akinsola, M. K., & Odeyemi, E. O. (2014). Effects of mnemonic and prior knowledge instructional strategies on students achievements in mathematics. International Journal of Education and Research, 2(7), 675 - 688.
Amir, A. S. A. B., & Shabri, S. M. (2022). Accounting for non-accounting students: Determinants and academic performance. Jurnal Akuntansi dan Bisnis: Jurnal Program Studi Akuntansi, 8(2), 104 - 113.
Ajzen, I. (2020). The theory of planned behavior: Frequently asked questions. Human behavior and emerging technologies, 2(4), 314-324.
Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational behavior and human decision processes, 50(2), 179 - 211.
Barut, M., Soares, M. A., Araujo, A. M., & Kanet, J. J. (2016). Problem-based learning in accounting: An empirical study. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education, 6(6), 50 - 58.
Bosnjak, M., Ajzen, I., & Schmidt, P. (2020). The theory of planned behavior: Selected recent advances and applications. Europe's journal of psychology, 16(3), 352.
Brundage, M. J., Malespina, A., & Singh, C. (2023). Peer interaction facilitates co-construction of knowledge in quantum mechanics. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 19(2), 1 - 15.
Chua, Y. P. (2006). Methods and statistics research: Book 1 research methods. Kuala Lumpur: McGraw Hill.
Dangi, M. R. M., Adnan, M. F., & Rashid, M. Z. A. (2017). An innovation in teaching and learning of accounting concept using AccRoBa© game approach. Jurnal Pendidikan Malaysia 42(1), 21 - 32.
Dangi, M. R. M., Saat, M. M., & Saad, S. (2023). Teaching and learning using 21st century educational technology in accounting education: Evidence and conceptualisation of usage behaviour. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 39(1), 19 - 38.
Darmasaputra, A., Hatane, S. E., Lieantono, M. E. C., Sonbay, S. S., & Putra, Y. T. E. (2023). The impact of attitudes, self-efficacy, and subjective norms toward z-generation's intention to choose the accounting major. International Journal of Financial and Investment Studies (IJFIS), 3(2), 119 - 130.
Dewanti, P. W., Purnama, I. A., & Parthasarathy, K. (2021). Subjective norms and academic dishonesty: A decision tree algorithm analysis. JOIV: International Journal on Informatics Visualization, 5(1), 46-50.
Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public interest, 14(1), 4 - 58.
Ferreira, A., & Santoso, A.G. (2008). Do students perceptions matter? A study of the effect of students perceptions on academic performance labor. Accounting & Finance, 48(2), 209 - 231.
Goh, E., & Scerri, M. A. (2016). “I study accounting because I have to”: An exploratory study of hospitality students’ attitudes toward accounting education. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 28(2), 85 - 94.
Gümüş, A. (2024). Problems encountered by international students in Turkey in accounting education and solution suggestions: A qualitative study. Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi İktisadi Ve İdari Bilimler Dergisi, 26(1), 143 - 155.
Hermanson, E. & Maher. (2011). Accounting principles: A business perspective, financial accounting (chapters 1 – 8). New York: A Textbook Equity Open College Textbook.
Hsbollah, H. M., & Rosli, K. (2022). Creating meaningful learning and improving students’ knowledge using game-based learning in higher education. World Journal of English Language, 12(2), 257 - 257.
Hsu, C., Yen, S., & Lai, W. (2016). The effect of problem-based learning on learning outcomes of accounting students. Asian Journal of Finance and Accounting, 8(2), 135 - 154.
Ismail, S., & Kasim, N. M. (2011). Accounting for non-accounting students: What affects their performance? Journal of Technical education and training, 3(2). 19-31.
Joseph, C., Yasin, S. A. M., Ismail, N. I., Ahmad, A., & Zulkfili, N. (2025). Exploring attitude, difficulty and subjective norms of non-major undergraduates in learning accounting principles: Ways forward. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(2), 2119 - 2135.
Joseph, C., & Rahmat, M. (2019). Factors influencing the effectiveness of the competition-based learning (CBL) activity among accounting undergraduates. International Business Education Journal, 12(1), 1 – 14.
Laing, G. (2010). An empirical test of mnemonic devices to improve learning Elementary Accounting. Journal of Education for Business, 85(6), 349-358.
Makhathini, L., & Akpa-Inyang, F. F. (2024). Enhancing pedgogy and learning outcomes in financial accounting: A case study of higher education instituitions in South Africa. Journal of Culture and Values in Education, 7(4), 305 - 323.
Malgwi, C. A., Howe, M. A., & Burnaby, P. A. (2005). Influences on students' choice of college major. Journal of Education for Business, 80(5), 275 - 282.
Manaf, N. A. A., Ishak, Z., & Hussin, W. N. W. (2011). Application of problem-based learning (pbl) in a course on financial accounting principles. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 8, 21 - 47.
Marzuki, M. M., Majid, W. Z., Salwani, R., Zawawi, M. Z., & Bakar, H.A. (2019). Students’ perceptions and learning approaches in accounting subject: The role of mobile apps technology. Management & Accounting Review (MAR), 18(3), 1 - 30.
Mohammad Fadzillah, N. S., Jamaluddin, J., Ahmad, M. A. N., Mohd Din, N., & Abdul Jabar, F. (2020). Factors affecting student performance in accounting subject: A case of pre-diploma students. Gading Journal for Social Sciences, 23(1), 60 - 64.
Mohd Rodzi, N. K., Abdul Rahman, N., Naiimi, N., Ayob, S., & Selamat, S. (2021). Mnemonics: An alternative memory enhancement technique in teaching accounting theories. Jurnal Intelek, 16(1), 83 - 90
Muda, S., Hussin, A. H., Johari, H., Sapari, J. M., & Jamil, N. (2013). The key contributing factors of non-accounting students’ failure in the introduction to financial accounting course. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 90 (2013), 712 - 719.
Radzi, A. I. N., Drahman, D. N. A., Joseph, C., Rahmat, M., & Suria, K. (2020). Competition-based learning strategy of the online Introductory Accounting quiz for non-accounting majors. International Business Education Journal, 13(1), 83 - 94.
Padernal, R. (2023). Effect of mnemonic-aided instruction on academic performance of maritime students in calculus. Pure and Applied Mathematics Journal, 12(1), 16-22.
Siagian, D. T., Maida, N., Irianto, D. M., & Sukardi, R. R. (2023). The effectiveness of mnemonic device techniques in improving long-term memory in learning in elementary schools: A literature review. Equator Science Journal, 1(1), 24 - 30.
Silva, R., Rodrigues, R. G., & Leal, C. (2021). Games based learning in accounting education – which dimensions are the most relevant? Accounting Education, 30(2), 159 - 187.
Srirejeki, K., Supeno, S., & Faturokhman, A. (2019). Understanding the intentions of accounting students to pursue career as a professional accountant. S Binus Business Review, 10(1), 11 - 19.
Syed Abdullah, S. L., Mohd Rodzi, N. K., Shaffee, N. S., Arus, J., Abd Rahim, M., & Abdul Rahman, N. (2019). A qualitative study on memory aid kit (mak) in enhancing students’ comprehension of accounting theories. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on the Future of ASEAN (ICoFA) 2017-1, 419 - 426.
Tandiono, R., Tohang, V., & Hutagaol-Martowidjojo, Y. (2022). Non-accounting students’ perceptions on the usefulness of gamification in supporting cognitive development. Jurnal ASET (Akuntansi Riset), 14(2), 377 – 390.
Tripathy A. B., & Pradhan, N. (2024). Impact of social interaction and group dynamics on student’s learning – An analysis. International Journal of Research in all Subjects in Multi Languages, 12(8), 15 - 20.
Tucker, B.P. (2017). Figuratively speaking: Analogies in the accounting classroom. Accounting Education, 26(2), 166 - 190.
Umar, M. A., & Olowo, R. (2023). Issues in teaching and learning accounting among students who use English as a second language. Accounting Education, 33(4), 473 - 496.
Wailoo, B., & John, S. (2013). Educating the next generation of business students, American Journal of Business Education, 6(3), 321 - 332.
Zhang, H., & Kong, L. (2024). Exploration on teaching reform of non-accounting major “Accounting” under the background of new liberal arts. SHS Web of Conferences, 187(02027),1 -5.
Zhao, X., Zhang, B., & Wei, L. (2023). Research on ideological and political construction of basic accounting course for non-accounting majors. International Journal of Learning and Teaching, 9(1), 42 – 48.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.







