This article examines contemporary pedagogical strategies aimed at enhancing student engagement and improving learning outcomes in higher education. Through the integration of innovative, evidence-based teaching methods, it contributes to the growing body of research within the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). In response to the shifting demands of 21st-century education, the analysis focuses on instructional approaches that promote active learning, critical thinking, and meaningful student participation across diverse academic contexts.
The accounting profession is undergoing a significant transformation. As financial systems evolve through rapid technological advancements, traditional education models must adapt to ensure graduates remain relevant and future ready. As academics, we aim to embrace these advancements, positioning ourselves at the forefront by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and gamification into our curriculum.
This shift aligns with the principles of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) where human intelligence and technology merge to create personalised, meaningful learning experiences. We are committed to widening access to education, preparing students for the workforce and keeping students at the centre and learning at the core.
THE NEED FOR INNOVATION IN COMMERCE EDUCATION
Education today extends beyond theoretical knowledge to emphasise critical thinking, adaptability, and digital fluency. Recognising this need, higher education institutions need to reshape commerce education by integrating emerging technologies into teaching methodologies.
A key part of this transformation involves the use of AI-driven tools and gamification strategies to enhance student engagement and ensure the development of industry-relevant skills. AI offers opportunities to personalise the learning experience by providing real-time feedback, adaptive assessments, and insights into student performance. AI-powered tools can help identify learning gaps and tailor instructional strategies to meet individual student needs. A tool like Kahoot! for example offers diverse question types including audio, visuals and text-based questions, thereby simplifying the understanding of complex accounting concepts.
INTRODUCING GAMIFICATION IN TECHNICAL MODULES
To bring this vision to life, the STADIO School of Commerce launched a Kahoot! pilot project in March, incorporating game-based learning into select technical modules. The objective was to create an interactive learning environment that mirrors real-world challenges and fosters practical skill development.
A central aspect of this project is the implementation of an interactive learning platform that enhances the teaching of complex accounting principles.
REIMAGINING ACCOUNTING EDUCATION WITH AI AND INTERACTIVE TOOLS
In our approach to using the Kahoot!, Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Scale questions within the accounting curriculum, we specifically asked students how comfortable they were with calculating depreciation and measuring Property, Plant, and Equipment (PPE). These questions were strategically posed both at the beginning and end of the topic − initially to assess baseline understanding from pre-reading and later to evaluate conceptual clarity and application. This allowed us to track the learning journey and determine whether the key concepts and ‘pieces of the puzzle’ had come together meaningfully. The feedback enabled lecturers to revisit and reiterate fundamental principles where necessary and shift their focus to address identified knowledge gaps, ensuring students were supported both theoretically and practically throughout the learning process.
By introducing competition and real-time feedback, this platform has significantly improved student engagement and comprehension. Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the potential for long-term adoption. Research also supports this approach, showing that gamification increases motivation, enhances knowledge retention, and improves learning outcomes in higher education.
ENHANCING LEARNING THROUGH AI AND INTERACTIVE TOOLS
Accounting and finance are often seen as complex fields demanding a strong grasp of calculations, financial standards, and core principles. To make these subjects more approachable, we’ve integrated AI-powered tools and gamified learning techniques through Kahoot! within our technical modules − turning conventional lectures into engaging, interactive learning experiences. Students participate in real-time assessments, receiving immediate feedback to help identify areas for improvement. Interactive elements such as quizzes and challenges foster motivation and encourage deeper engagement with course content. Beyond increasing participation, these methods reinforce essential accounting principles and improve long-term knowledge retention.
AI AS A PERSONALISED LEARNING TOOL
Beyond gamification, AI is playing a crucial role in personalising the learning experience. AI-powered analytics enable educators to gain deeper insights into student performance, allowing for the identification of learning gaps and the development of targeted teaching strategies. This ensures that each student receives the necessary support to master complex financial concepts.
Additionally, AI-assisted tools streamline the creation of concept-based assessments, allowing educators to generate relevant questions based on course materials for real-time evaluation of student comprehension.
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE 5IR
The Fifth Industrial Revolution emphasises the integration of technology with human intelligence to create a more sustainable, human-centric future. The accounting profession is undergoing this transformation, with automation and AI redefining traditional roles and shifting accountants from data processors to strategic advisors.
Our curriculum reflects this shift by equipping students with essential skills beyond financial reporting. Our approach fosters analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and digital literacy capabilities that are critical in an AI-driven world. We have dedicated modules such as future thinking and scenario planning to help students zone in on critical skills need to synthesise information and interpret it in a meaningful manner.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION
As AI automates repetitive accounting tasks, professionals must focus on higher-value activities such as strategic planning, risk assessment, and financial forecasting. This transformation raises a critical question: Are graduates being adequately prepared for this evolving landscape?
We believe that education should not merely respond to industry changes but actively drive them. By incorporating AI and gamification, we are redefining what it means to be an accountant in the digital age.
As we continue to advance our innovative teaching methods, one question remains: Is the accounting profession ready to embrace the future, or will it risk being left behind? The rapid integration of AI and automation in commerce demands that professionals continuously adapt to new technologies. Institutions that fail to evolve risk producing graduates unprepared for the modern workplace, underscoring the urgency of innovation in commerce education.
This contributes to the broader conversation on effective teaching strategies within the SoTL framework. The experiences detailed herein highlight the potential of innovative pedagogical approaches to enrich student learning and engagement.
Authors
Kurt Naicker and Simone Gajewski are Accounting lecturers at STADIO specialising in Edteach within commerce education. Their collaborative efforts centre on student-focused learning and the adoption of innovative teaching methods to enhance educational outcomes and prepare for the future of higher education in an evolving world − embracing change and adapting to frequent, unforeseen developments.
