Beyond The Numbers: Writing To Learn Finance

This paper explores the notion that the process of writing can help students learn finance better. Finance instructors likely rely largely on lectures, reading, and numerical problem solving. Educators in the humanities and natural sciences have argued that writing is unique in its cognitive requirements of students and may be superior to these other teaching tools in getting students to master their disciplines. This paper reviews some of the literature concerning writing as a means of learning, suggests the types of writing exercises and assignments that might work effectively in a finance course, and addresses evaluation strategies and ways to limit the amount of grading time required of instructors.