USA Online

 
Objectives | Case Studies | Type of Learner | How To Use | Case Studies with Children | Examples

Back Next

How Should Case Studies Be Used?

Ertmer and Quinn suggest:

  • Understand the context in which the case is being analyzed and discussed.

  • Read the case.

  • Read the case again.

  • Analyze the case.

  • Actively participate in class discussion.

  • Reflect on the case-learning experience.

Ertmer, P. A., Quinn, J. (1999) . The ID CaseBook: Case Studies in Instructional Design. Upper Saddle River , New Jersey : Prentice-Hall

 

Understanding the Context

  • Read the questions at the end of the case study so you know what you should pay particular attention to.

  • Do not read the case study to find the answers to the questions. You will very probably miss nuances in the that would increased your understanding of the situation and how to deal with it.

  • The point of case studies is to present situations in detail so you can imagine yourself in that situation . Pay as close attention to the details of the case study as you would in an actual work situation.

 

Read, Reread, Analyze, Participate

  • The first reading should be a quick, cursory reading to get the gist of the material and identify major points in the case.

  • Rereading should be much slower so you pick up the details and gain a deeper understanding of the case.

  • Read, Reread, Analyze, Participate

  • Analyzing the case requires generating possible solutions to problems presented in the case and possible consequences of those solutions.

  • After considering the pros and cons of each solution, you must decide on the course of action that you would recommend.

 

Reflect

  • Reflection on your performance during the case study will help you improve your skills for future cases or for future work situations.

  • Reflection on the processes you used is basically metacognition. Being involved in class discussions can help you understand how other people came up with their solutions so you can incorporate their strategies into your cache of strategies.t

  • Suggestions from Ertmer and Quinn (1999) on particular questions you might ask yourself to gauge your improvement in skills necessary for analyzing case studies:

  • Did you consider all the issues?

  • Did you look at issues from the varying perspectives of the key players?

  • Have you based suggestions on available data?