Over the past year, many teachers have considered the concept of synchronous and asynchronous learning as they have adapted their delivery style to support students learning remotely.
With synchronous learning, all students are engaged in a learning activity together at the same time. With this approach, the students are often in the same classroom learning together, or alternatively participating in a live session using an online learning platform such as Zoom. It is characterised by live interaction between the students and/or the teacher.
Asynchronous learning is the opposite. Asynchronous learning occurs when learners are not participating in the learning event at the same time and there is no live interaction with other students or the teacher. An example of asynchronous learning is where students watch a pre-recorded lesson or video, which is available ‘on-demand’, or read a chapter from a textbook and answer questions. Online learning platforms have increased the popularity of asynchronous learning during the pandemic as they facilitate teachers sharing recordings of lessons and other resources that learners can access at any time.
Both approaches can be successfully used to support Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting students and arguably a mix can best meet all learning styles. Here are five tips for synchronous and asynchronous learning that you can use with your students:
Synchronous learning ideas
1. Whiteboard demonstrations – live demonstrations by the teacher can effectively show the steps to take when completing accounting calculations and preparing accounts. Questioning learners as the teacher progresses can increase the learning experience.
2. Student interaction – ask students to work together to solve accounting questions. Group work is not solely limited to the classroom as online learning platforms often have ‘breakout rooms’ where groups of learners can each work on a separate question.
3. Learning checkpoints – assess the progress that learners are making throughout the lesson with a series of learning checkpoints. Do they understand the accounting concept that you have just explained, or are there any misconceptions that you can quickly resolve?
4. Flexibility – as it is easier to assess progress throughout a live lesson the teacher can adapt the pace and style used to introduce new accounting topics. If something is not working effectively a different approach can be applied.
5. Exchange of knowledge – all learners can hear the answers that others offer and engage in a debate/discussion. This can increase the richness of the learning that takes place and support the application of accounting topics in the real world.
Asynchronous learning ideas
1. On-demand learning – prepare recordings of lessons and videos that learners can access online between live sessions. These resources could prepare learners for the next accounting topic that you will cover, or alternatively reinforce learning from a past session.
2. Reward – some learners find asynchronous learning isolating so reward students for engaging. Track which learners are accessing resources and publicise this tracking process so they are encouraged to engage.
3. Online messaging – although the learners will access the resources at different times, encourage them to use the chat facility on online learning platforms to leave comments and stimulate discussion.
4. Revision – asynchronous learning is particularly powerful to support accounting revision when students revisit content and topics.
5. Differentiation – asynchronous learning resources can be differentiated in a more discrete manner as other learners are less aware of what fellow students are completing. Directing specific accounting tasks or deadlines to different learners can ensure appropriate stretch and challenge, and asynchronous learning supports this process in a way that avoids embarrassing students.
If you’d like to hear more from Julie, click here to watch our webinar “Achieving more in the accounting classroom”.
You can also explore our new Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting series today.
Julie Whatford is an experienced business and accounting educator and is also co-author of our Cambridge International AS & A Level Accounting Teacher’s Resource.
