ATTITUDINAL DISPOSITION OF SECRETARIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS TOWARDS ACCOUNTING COURSES

ABSTRACT

The study sought to find out the attitudinal disposition of secretarial education students towards the study of accounting courses in Imo state university. With the use of survey design and random sampling of Four levels in department of secretarial education in the university, questionnaire administration is used to acquire information. The study found out that students attitude of can be positively develop through the teaching methods, selection of suitable books and motivation of students. The study concludes that Accounting courses teachers should motivate the students. They should be given the privilege to attend seminars, workshops and conferences so that they are conversant with the recent developments in chemical and teaching world. The student should be given sound foundation from homes as well as schools being partners in progress.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Secretarial education, a fundamental component of the broader field of business education, serves as a linchpin in preparing students for the multifaceted and ever-evolving modern business world. The educational landscape has evolved significantly in response to the demands of the contemporary business environment, where administrative roles have expanded to encompass a wide array of responsibilities. Among the core components of secretarial education are accounting courses, which serve as the cornerstone upon which students acquire essential skills to comprehend, analyze, and manage financial data. Accounting is often referred to as “the language of business,” and for good reason, as it is the conduit through which organizations communicate their financial health and performance to stakeholders (Hilton & Platt, 2011).

These courses are meticulously designed to instill in students a profound understanding of financial principles, equipping them with the competencies required for effective financial decision-making and the stewardship of an organization’s accounting resources. Financial literacy, a fundamental outcome of accounting education, empowers students to decode financial statements, assess an organization’s financial health, and make informed decisions. Beyond the rudimentary knowledge of balancing sheets and income statements, accounting education delves into advanced topics such as cost accounting, management accounting, auditing, and taxation, each offering unique insights into the financial operations of businesses.

Moreover, accounting education extends beyond the mere assimilation of accounting concepts; it facilitates the development of critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills, all of which are quintessential in the business domain. Accounting students learn not only to calculate numbers but also to interpret their significance and convey this information effectively to stakeholders (Kavanagh et al., 2019). These skills are invaluable in a world where data-driven decision-making is increasingly becoming the norm.

The success of secretarial education programs undeniably hinges on how students perceive and engage with accounting courses. These attitudes, be they positive or negative, bear the potential to significantly influence the learning outcomes, academic performance, and career trajectories of secretarial education students. It is therefore imperative to delve into the attitudinal disposition of students towards accounting courses, for this very disposition can become a decisive factor in their academic and professional journey.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The study of students’ attitudes towards accounting courses stands as a vital endeavor, given its far-reaching ramifications on students’ learning experiences and academic performance. Negative attitudes towards accounting courses can manifest in a variety of ways, including disinterest, reluctance to engage with the material, and a diminished commitment to the learning process. Students who view accounting courses negatively may perceive them as complex, intimidating, or irrelevant to their career goals. This perception can ultimately lead to disengagement from the material, reduced effort, and a tendency to procrastinate, which, in turn, can culminate in subpar academic performance (Devine, 2002).

On the contrary, the cultivation of positive attitudes towards accounting courses holds the promise of fostering heightened student engagement, a deeper grasp of the subject matter, and ultimately, improved academic outcomes. Positive attitudes can lead students to approach their studies with enthusiasm and an intrinsic motivation to excel. Students with positive attitudes are more likely to perceive accounting courses as valuable and relevant to their future careers, fostering a strong sense of purpose in their studies (Bain, 2004).

Therefore, this research sets out to explore and understand the attitudinal disposition of secretarial education students towards accounting courses, as these dispositions have a direct impact on their educational journey and prospects in the business world. The investigation into students’ attitudes towards accounting courses is not only an academic exercise but also a practical endeavor with implications for educational institutions, curriculum development, instructional strategies, and the overall quality of education provided to secretarial education students. By comprehending these attitudes, educators and institutions can tailor their teaching methods to align with students’ needs and foster an environment where accounting education is not merely endured but embraced.

 Purpose of the study

The general purpose of this study was to find out attitudinal disposition of secretarial education students towards the study of accounting courses in Imo state university. Specifically this study

1. Determine the attitude of students toward the study of accounting courses in Imo state university.
2. Determine the environmental factors positively influence student attitude toward the study of accounting courses in Imo state university?
3. Determine the environmental factors that are negatively influencing student attitude toward the study of accounting courses in Imo state university.

Significance of the study

The study is aimed at looking at the students’ attitudes towards Accounting coursesin some selected department of secretarial education in the university in Imo state university. The results of the study is hoped to assist Accounting courses teachers to develop new learning experience for the students and reorganize these learning experience in some ways enough to arouse the interest of the students. It would be of good assistance to teachers to create a habit were they would improve on the obsolete teaching methods, use adequate, modern and relevant instructional materials and textbooks at their disposed to the fullest. This study may also assist the students to improve their attitude towards the study of the subject. Finally, the government and parents would benefit from the study of their roles as these would be highlighted at the recommendation column. This study will be useful to researchers, students, teachers, policy makers, curriculum planners, government and virtually everyone who loves the acquisition of knowledge.

After this study, if the suggestions can be applied, then students in Orlu will have a positive attitude towards Accounting courses.

Scope of the study

The study was limited to department of secretarial education in the university in Orlu Local Government of Imo State only. Based on the time frame and financial constraints in covering all the department of secretarial education in the university in the Local Government, the study was also limited to the students in Senior Department of secretarial education in the university (SS Class).

Research Questions

The following research questions were constructed by the researcher as a guide to this study.

1. What are the attitudes of students toward the study of accounting courses in Imo state university?
2. What are the environmental factors positively influence student attitude toward the study of accounting courses in Imo state university?
3. What are the environmental factors that are negatively influencing student attitude toward the study of accounting courses in Imo state university?

Attached Files