What Are Case Studies?

• They are basically parables or fables.
• They are stories that you are supposed to think about and that have a point or points.
• The are NOT case study research!

Why Use Case Studies?

• Some case studies are used to show flaws in solutions that people actually used.

• Some show a situation and have the learners create possible solutions then work out problems with those solutions.

• Case studies can also be used to show outstanding solutions to problems - how "thinking outside the box" helped solve a problem.

• By using case studies, learners can learn to identify problems, generate possible solutions to the problems, and work with other students to identify strengths and weaknesses of each solution.

• Case studies are like simulations. Learners work through problems without causing any real damage. In fact, case studies can use role playing to create a classroom simulation.

When To Use Case Studies

• Motivation involved in case studies comes from the ability of the learners to relate their own life or work situations to the case study situation.

• If they can place themselves in the situation, then they will see the situation as a possibility for the future (or remember it as a past event) and will readily engage in thinking about the possibilities for action in that situation.

• The first thing to know about case studies is therefore, use only case studies that are likely to occur in the learners' experience.

• If learners cannot realistically expect to encounter a situation similar to that in the case study, then there is little motivation to get involved in thinking about the remote possibilities discussed in the case.