A Pedagogical Comparison in Introductory Corporate Finance: a Comparative Study of Instructor-led In-class Cases and Student-led Out-of-class Cases

This study compares the attitudes and learning outcomes of students in sections of corporate finance. Three sections of the course were taught using the lecture method supplemented with a student-led out-of-class project. Three other sections of the course were taught using lecture combined with an instructor-led in-class case study. The students were given pre-tests and post-tests to determine changes in attitudes and learning. Students in both types of courses achieved similar learning outcomes. Students found the subject more interesting when participation in the student-led out-of-class case study sections. However, students found the cases less difficult in the courses that used the instructor-led in-class cases.