Case-Based Teaching
Case-based teaching is the use of real world situations to introduce students to a variety of perspectives. The experience is open-ended and presents opportunities and unique challenges.
“Because wisdom can’t be told.”
In 1940, Harvard Business Professor Charles Gragg summarized case-based teaching with the quotation above. By engaging students in a situation that occurred in the real world, the learning is deeper and more meaningful than lecturing.
Teaching cases requires being prepared for a variety of student responses, but also not circumscribing the students’ analyses.
Similar to cases, but more immersive, are simulations and games. More information is available at this link. Simulations involve students responding in real time to simulated conditions, while case-based teaching has students analyzing previous events, proposing solutions, then justifying and discussing them.
Choosing a Case
Choosing a case can be a complicated process. There are a variety of “classic” cases that are widely known and used in business education.
Classic cases are well documented and illustrate concepts well; as with much content, solutions and notes from students are also widely available.
Integrating Cases into a Course
Consider: Cases can be an experiential learning opportunity especially for newer students.
Case-Based Assessment
It is important for instructors to consider their expectations carefully before assigning a case assignment. Given the open-ended nature of cases, there typically is no single correct answer. A variety of assessment types can be utilized to measure students’ learning
Consider: Is the purpose for formative or summative assessment?
In-class discussion
Team or Individual Presentation of analysis and/or proposed solution
Written analysis
References
- AAC&U. (2005). Because Wisdom Can’t Be Told: Using Case Studies to Teach Science. Retrieved from: https://www.aacu.org/publications-research/periodicals/because-wisdom-cant-be-told-using-case-studies-teach-science
- Teaching and Learning at Business Schools: Transforming Business Education. 2008