Abstract:

Groups formed by individuals born at about the same time and possessing common characteristics are called generations. Generations are basically categorized as traditionalists, baby boomers, generation X, Y and Z. Individuals born between the years 1980-2000 fall into the category of generation Y and they have been the subject of research in numerous recent studies. The main elements that play a role in the effectiveness of the educational process are the characteristics and the interest levels of the students. The developments experienced at the social level through technology also change the habits of learning along with the characteristics of the individuals. The structure of accounting science is basically composed of body of rules and like other fields, the science of accounting is affected from this change at the instructor-learner level. When technology use, habits, mobile and mobility perceptions of generation Y are considered, there are likely to be some special cases between accounting education and this generation. In this study, the concept of generation, classification of generations and differentiating characteristics of generation Y were examined and the structure of accounting education and the methods that can be followed in accounting education were mentioned in the context of generation Y. Then, the characteristics of the undergraduates of generation Y at the Management Faculty of Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University together with their perceptions about the accounting course, thoughts about the teaching techniques and methods related to accounting education were observed by survey method. Finally, suggestions were presented about how generation Y students can be provided with accounting education more effectively. The findings obtained show that it is a requirement for particularly, universities and educational community and also all stakeholders including politicians and local governments to consider the characteristics of generations that they are in touch with. 

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