In the class room I took a slightly different approach. I started with really simple examples and then required the students to work in small groups on the more complex ones rather than the reverse. As I walked around the room, I could hear the “strong” students teaching the “weaker” students how to solve the problem. They were explaining the topics slightly different than I would have, but their classmates were responding and learning.

Most of my students have admitted to me via email or in person that Accounting is not one of their stronger topics, yet they have really good grades. While I think this group of students is highly motivated, I think the real reason they are performing better than any of my other students in this same course is because I really pushed them. Instead of getting frustrated and giving up they persevered.

For example, each week the students were required to review the 10-K of a publicly traded company and respond to questions about the information reported on the various financial statements. At first my students complained, a lot. As we reach the end of the term, I’m hearing how comfortable they are with looking at financial statements. A few of them have taken steps to become more involved in understanding their own company’s financial data.

From this experience, I’ve learned that most people will respond positively to a challenge. They may complain a bit here and there, but in the end your company and your employees will be stronger.