Teaching spreadsheet proficiency: beyond hitting the keys

Chang Boon Patrick Lee

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2005, vol. 5, issue 2, 218-226

Abstract: Many tertiary institutions teach spreadsheets as part of the introductory course on computing. The time allocated for spreadsheet teaching is usually limited and instructors are often faced with the dilemma of how to ensure effective coverage of the subject. Some instructors end up "dumping" manual-like materials onto the students, thinking that they will read the materials religiously. It is possible that the frequent occurrence of spreadsheet errors that has been established in prior research is a result of inadequate teaching. It is important, therefore, for instructors to know how to teach effectively. This paper identified six teaching methods and discussed their advantages and disadvantages. This paper also proposed a three-stage spreadsheet teaching model that emphasises teaching the procedural and conceptual aspects of the software. The model provides a useful guide for instructors and it should help to address the concern regarding frequent occurrence of spreadsheet errors.

Keywords: spreadsheets; teaching methods; spreadsheet errors; higher education; tertiary education. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=6327 (text/html)
Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijhrdm:v:5:y:2005:i:2:p:218-226

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management from Inderscience Enterprises Ltd
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sarah Parker ().