Unit 1 • Lesson 30.8h

Debit, Credit, and Trial Balance

This lesson establishes the systematic debit/credit framework that makes Sarah's ledger self-auditing. Students move from understanding the left/right logic to applying it reliably with minimal scaffolding.

What You'll Learn
  • Apply DEA LER rules to determine correct debit/credit entries for all account types
  • Construct accurate journal entries that maintain balance in every transaction
  • Post transactions to T-accounts using systematic procedures
  • Explain why the trial balance must tie out and what errors it detects
  • Connect manual debit/credit skills to the foundation of Sarah's self-auditing ledger
Key Concepts
DEA LER mnemonic for debit/credit rules
T-account structure as representational support
Journal entry format and balance verification
+2 more concepts
Lesson Phases

This lesson follows a structured 6-phase learning model designed for authentic project-based learning.

Hook

Discover the logic behind debit and credit rules through T-account visualization and account type patterns

Start Phase

Introduction

Learn systematic debit/credit rules for assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expense accounts

Start Phase

Guided Practice

Practice recording TechStart transactions in T-accounts and journal entry format

Start Phase

Independent Practice

Create journal entries independently and verify debit/credit balance for complex transactions

Start Phase

Assessment

Complete formative assessment on debit/credit rules and T-account construction

Start Phase

Closing

Reflect on debit/credit mastery and preview Excel implementation of ledger systems

Start Phase
How You'll Learn
Concrete-to-Representational-to-Abstract (CRA) progression
Systematic procedure modeling with worked examples
Algorithmic deliberate practice in Phase 4
Exit ticket on debit/credit logic and trial balance
CAP reflection on learning journey