Using Pinterest to Stimulate Student Engagement, Interest, and Learning in Managerial Accounting Courses

Abstract

This paper presents a social media-based assignment that was utilized in both introductory and advanced managerial accounting courses at the undergraduate level. For the assignment, students used Pinterest to share Internet-based resources with fellow members of their class. The students were also required to comment on Pinterest “pins” created by their classmates. The assignment encouraged students to be engaged and active learners in the course, build interest in the managerial accounting topics covered, and develop a deeper understanding of managerial accounting by utilizing outside resources and real world examples. A survey of students’ attitudes indicates that approximately two-thirds of the students perceived the assignment had a positive impact on their engagement in the course as well as their ability to better understand course topics. Student responses also suggest that the Pinterest assignment had some impact on their interest in managerial accounting. Mean survey responses were significantly more favorable for English as a second language (ESL) students compared to non-ESL students.