Improving Technical Terms of Cost Accounting Students’ Learning Using Crossword Puzzle Game

The main goal of this research is to determine how successful the non-traditional teaching tools are in seducing accounting student interest and enhancing their learning, consequently. Undergraduate students of management in 2018 first semester are considered as cases, to study crossword puzzle game effect on better understanding of terms and concepts of Cost Accounting course. The game was designated and implemented in 6 forms of topical crossword puzzles and a more complicated puzzle based on subjects presented in cost accounting literature. Finally, by controlling the student participation rate in the game, the effect of the game scores on their exam performance was examined. The results indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between the students' average score of puzzles and their course grades, but there was no significant relationship between the student’s attendance in the game and their final grades. Moreover, the results of considering the participants' viewpoint on the crossword puzzle game effectiveness in enhancing their motivation and learning, a 5-point Likert scale survey was utilized showed that the students found the puzzle game as a fun, challenging and effective tool in technical concepts learning. The results also suggest more innovative means and techniques of teaching accounting courses be taken into consideration.