Teaching Australian tax law in a transnational context

Abstract

Teaching in the large Australian business school referred to in this paper is multi-national and international. As a professional and academic, the second author coordinated and taught in units in which large cohorts of approximately 1000 students per semester learned about taxation through open, distance and e-learning. Initially, concern for students who experienced isolation as a result of studying in non-face-to-face environments motivated this teacher to adapt and use technologies to create a sense of community. The teacher was further concerned about students' lack of understanding about Australian tax law and indeed its relevance to them beyond the unit, and students' unfamiliarity with the English language and the Australian style of instruction. Consequently, the teacher developed a series of videos and utilised discussion forums via a learning management system to support student learning locally and internationally. The case study presented in this paper was developed from research into teaching practices and is underpinned by a review of relevant literature. Findings indicate tailored video presentations in conjunction with the sense of community and rapid feedback generated through online discussion forums support multiple learning styles.