Case study

A case study presents students with an authentic problem or situation they may encounter as a graduate.

A comprehensive case study requires:

  • a situation or specific outcome which needs to be achieved,
  • a description of the context (and constraints) of the situation
  • supporting materials.

For a single short (5-10-minute) activity, students may only need a few specific details, whereas for a longer activity they will need a more detailed picture of the scenario.

The case provides the frame for the activity. The task could be as broad as “what would you do in this situation, why did this happen, how could this be avoided in the future?”, or there could be specific questions – “what does this patient require, when is the next report due?”.

Case studies can be released in ‘phases’ where more information becomes available at different times. Case studies can support students to develop analytical and critical thinking skills. The depth and complexity of a case study can vary depending upon the needs of the situation.

A Case study is

effective for:

best to pair with:

  • collaboration and cooperation
  • identifying misconceptions
  • critical thinking
  • decision-making
  • authentic experience.
  • brainstorming
  • concept maps
  • debates
  • demonstrations
  • in-class polling
  • jigsaw
  • large groups discussion
  • peer review
  • picture prompts
  • video vignettes
  • work on walls.

Example

Students are placed in a group and given a case study to evaluate. The groups begin their analysis with a brainstorming session, listing the theory and practices that may be related to the case study. The ideas can be grouped and ranked to determine which areas are most important and most difficult. The process allows for a formative evaluation of student understanding and for students to show creativity and collaboration in their approach to the case study.