Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 322 Unit 4 The Teacher Case Studies Case studies involve groups of students working together to analyze a situation, or “case.” A case study is a description of a realistic problem- atic situation that requires a solution. Case studies allow teachers to direct learning by using a case that focuses on the exact issues that meet the learning objective or outcome (Figure 14.14). For example, in a lesson on ethics, a business teacher might present students with a case in which a supervisor directs an employee to do something contrary to company policies. Teachers can use case studies to actively involve students in dealing with real issues. The cases must be well written. Sometimes, teachers start with a current news story, and add or subtract information to make it fit the learning situation. They clearly outline what students are to accomplish in their groups, set time limits, and move from group to group listening and helping students move forward. They use the large-group discussion at the end to help students identify the issues and principles involved in the situation. As with other learner-centered methods, the teacher starts with a clear plan. As the lesson plays out, however, the teacher decides how best to guide students toward the desired learning goal. Reflective Responses When teachers use reflective responses, students think deeply about an issue or something they have learned. When using reflec- tive responses, they ask students to think about thinking (cognition). 1 2 3 4 5 Allow students to apply new knowledge and skills for solving complex, real-life issues Provide opportunities for students to work in small groups or teams Engage students in actively listening to other groups’ presentations, proposed solutions, and reasoning behind these solutions Provide students with opportunities to practice debating the merits of different options Help students learn to form a consensus— a general agreement on which the majority agree Benefits of Case Studies Figure 14.14 Case studies allow students to explore how lesson content applies to real-world situations.