Research Guides: MCU Faculty Resources: Case Method

About the Case Method

The case method examines history by using various media, problem solving and role-playing techniques to find solutions to "real" problems.

This section provides links to more advanced materials for those already familiar with the case method.

For more information on the case method, including videos, teaching tips, and notices of upcoming events, see the case method webpage.

Online Resources

The ABCs of Case Teaching
This is an excellent and very detailed discussion of the case method teaching. It is copyrighted but you can download a copy for your personal use.
What Makes a Good Case?
Good discussion of the storytelling basics to consider when deciding to use the case study method in a class or in picking a case study to use.
Questions for Class Discussions
Sample questions effective in scenarios that commonly occur during a case method discussion. It is organized into four main categories:
1. Starting a discussion pasture
2. Following up
3. Transitioning
4. Handling special challenges
Guidelines for Effective Observation of Case Instructors
Observation principles and process, elements of effective class preparation, and in-class assessment of discussion-based teaching.
Characteristics of Effective Case Teaching
This article from the C. Roland Christensen Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard Business School reviews the pre-conditions, behaviors, and outcomes of effective use of the Case Method.
Elements of Effective Class Preparation
This article from the C. Roland Christensen Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard Business School reviews the learning objectives, teaching opportunities and challenges, and the class design for effective use of the case method.
Guidelines for Effective Observation of Case Instructors
This article from the C. Roland Christensen Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard Business School discusses observation principles and process, elements of effective class preparation, and in-class assessment of discussion-based teaching.
Case Method at the Darden School
This link from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia describes their basic principles of case method instruction.
"Raw" cases at the Yale School of Management
The Yale School of Management makes extensive use of "raw" cases. Rather than taking the form of tightly-written articles, the materials for these case studies consist of various primary sources: news items, official publications, internal reports, and interviews.
Making the Case: Professional Education for the World of Practice
more...less...
by David A. Garvin. September-October 2003.

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