The use of individualized problems to improve students' learning

Individualized problems is a methodology that creates an unlimited set of numerically unique problems, that cover the same material and are of similar difficulty. Individualized problems combine the best features of take-home and in-class examinations in meeting test objectives. Students can benefit from collaboration, but cannot mechanically copy each other's solutions. The problems also provide opportunities for problem solving without the artificial time constraints of in-class examinations. Professors can provide students with timely feedback, yet minimize the time spent on grading. More importantly, individualized problems can improve students' learning of accounting material. An empirical test compares the in-class test performance of students previously assigned individualized homework problems on two specific topics with the performance of students given identical take-home problems. One problem is relatively easier than the other. Results show a significant positive differential learning impact for the easier problem for (1) weak/average undergraduate students (13-point improvement), (2) strong undergraduate students (16-point improvement), and (3) weak/average graduate students (22-point improvement). There is no learning effect for strong graduate students, who averaged 97 points or better for both the individualized and identical problems. The tests show a very slight learning effect for the more difficult problem for weak/average students (4–5 point improvement, but not statistically significant), and no learning effect for the strong students. Questionnaire responses indicate that student reaction to these take-home problems is highly favorable.