Teachers Preparations for a Case Study in Classroom. One of the main reasons that case studies can be seen as a powerful learning tools is that they enable learners to view certain cases as examples to broader issues. Preparing a Classroom Discussion First step in preparing, must be the reviewing of outcomes. Followed by a detailed analysis of the case. An important part also in preparing is the development of the questions that focus on the class discussion. Educator Being the Facilitator Principles for effective case discussions is the same as those that apply to whole-class discussions. The 4 particular points to note when the discussion is based on a case study are: The Introduction The Discussion Questioning Summarizing and Closure The Introduction Learners have prepared for discussion by prior reading of material trying to answer focus questions. Importance of reminding learners of how the case links to the main issues and where these will lead them The Discussion It is not just sharing ideas or seeking approval with presentation of ideas by learners, but in this time learners must be in a joint effort of acquiring deep understanding of issues embedded in case. Also one is to listen carefully to all the contributions and encourage students to elaborate, clarify and even justify where need be. In some cases role play can integrated for more direct engagement of issues Questioning Asking the teacher questions plays an important role in the guiding of the lesson. Questions to encourage the learner to consider important issues of the case. Questions may serve a purpose of: clarification elaboration linking focus comparison structuring consensus engagement Summarizing and Closure Some cases, should they be well-prepared they may not be fully resolved. The discussion should however be brought to a satisfying conclusion. The summary will need to address both the issues as well as the processes used for analysis. A good conclusion will highlight the points of the agreement as well as the unresolved issues It is also important to make comments so learners will think about the methods they took to resolve the issues. Consolidating Outcomes The step of concluding the case study to learners should also be seen as an achievement of the curriculum outcomes. Integration with what they have already learned in the course should occur, and such should happen reinforcing or extending the learning. Incorporation of Technology Case studies maybe enhanced with use of ICT through these following steps: Presentation of information to students in a format in which they can access Give students the time to locate relevant information Encourage the exchange of information between students Conduct the main discussion online Post the conclusions reached from the discussion online Provide an online forum in which they students can create links between cases studies and the coursework Reflecting on the success of the case study strategies Success on Utilized Strategies Cases studies are deemed as complex and ambiguous because issues being solved are of that nature. Such problems though entail no correct or incorrect answers, but are to force learners to make choices The educator needs to determine the learners achieved outcomes that were set and also if any learning aspects can be improved. Questions To Ask Evaluation Questions Did the learners prepare for requested class? Was the class discussion focused clearly on learning outcomes and were these achieved? Were the learners able to see the broader implications of issues raised in case study? What limitations of the case study strategy were evident during the exercise? Evaluation To what extent did the case study: foster learners critical thinking encourage learners to be responsible for own learning help learners develop a deep understanding of important knowledge help learners achieve effective as well as cognitive outcomes engage the learners in examining their values and assumptions help learners develop a sense of the complexity of the real-world engage the learners in dynamic interactions with one another develop the learners collaborative skills?
