Versatility and the Case Method: Enduring strengths for a new era
Business educators have long known the value of the case method. Teaching with cases bridges theory and practice, bringing real-world business scenarios into the classroom.
However, the education landscape has changed. The urgent need to adapt during the pandemic marked the beginning of a new era in terms of the ways we work and learn. It’s perhaps ironic then that a teaching method that’s been around for over 100 years has transferred so seamlessly into the online environment.
But in these rapidly changing times, it turns out that the case method is stronger and more vital than ever.
Adaptability and versatility
The benefits of the case method are many and varied. The method demands active learning and builds teamwork, as well as ethical reasoning, leadership, and communication skills.
Students are supported to develop their critical thinking skills, navigate uncertainty, and problem solve. While considering different viewpoints exposes them to the kind of diversity of thought they will need to navigate in a global business landscape.
But as we’ve evolved since the origins of the case method at Harvard Business School over a century ago, the method itself has become more versatile. Cases now have a variety of different formats, including text, multimedia, virtual reality, live cases and simulations. We even have cartoon cases.
The reality is that students are diverse in their learning styles as well as their experiences and cultures. The wonderful variety of case formats and topics means that faculty can select cases to match students’ learning styles as well as themes and course content. Case collections are also continuing to expand to include an increasing number of cases with local and international contexts. Showcasing diverse industries, geographies, and otherwise underrepresented perspectives.
Essentially, whoever and whatever you’re teaching, there’ll be a case for it!
Increased accessibility, flexibility, and wider reach
The online environment brings many benefits, as we know from our own workshops. It’s possible to reach a wider audience, promote global networking, and be accessible for students who would otherwise struggle to attend a more traditional classroom
The wide variety of formats opens up a world of potential for creativity and flexibility in how students interact with the content. Multimedia cases provide opportunities to engage with video content and interactive quizzes, while simulations enable students to immerse themselves in the world of the case and see the consequences of their decision-making as it plays out.
Indeed, at the heart of the case method is its promotion of active participation. An engaging case with a great story and a hearty dilemma at its core will get students gripped before they’ve even entered the virtual classroom. Once in the online environment, a great case will retain that attention. And there are a range of online tools available to help keep that momentum, like interactive quizzes and multimedia. While video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet have breakout rooms and live chat facilities.
It seems there are many ways in which the case method lends itself wonderfully to online teaching.
Meeting the challenges of the virtual classroom
As is always the case with progress, there are also challenges inherent in the shift online. Participation and lively discussion, for example, are essential components of the case method. It’s vital to ensure that the online classroom is inclusive, flexible and accessible for all students so those rich discussions can still take place. Virtual whiteboards can support collaboration and the sharing of ideas during classes. While polling and quizzing tools on platforms such as Vevox, Mentimeter and Poll Everywhere, engage students actively during synchronous sessions.
We also have access to an array of tools that support asynchronous learning, where students can learn at their own pace. Learning Management Systems like Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard help students and faculty to organise content, assignments, and discussions.
Video hosting and sharing platforms like YouTube and Vimeo are excellent for hosting pre-recorded lectures, case introductions, and student presentations. While discussion forums integrated within an LMS, or standalone tools like Discourse, can facilitate those crucial class discussions and peer interactions.
Support for the journey
There is a whole world of opportunities available to us, but it can be a lot to take in. Here at The Case Centre, we are constantly expanding our range of resources to support students, faculty, case authors, and anyone with an interest in the case method.
We work with experts from around the world to offer articles, blogs, insights, webinars, and research to support you, wherever you are in your journey with the case method. This includes specific resources and best practice insights to support online case teaching, assessing online learning, and moving teaching to the virtual classroom.
We also have a programme of case writing and teaching workshops, and everyone is welcome. You can find out more here or feel free to contact our training and events team on +44 (0) 1234 756411 or via email at training@thecasecentre.org.
Whatever you need, we’re on hand to help. Because we are passionate about the case method and share the principles of inclusivity, variety, and versatility.
The world is evolving, and so are we.
The Case Centre is the independent home of the case method and is dedicated to advancing the case method worldwide, sharing knowledge, wisdom and experience to inspire and transform business education across the globe. It is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity.
For additional insights, trends and perspectives about the Case Method, visit the conversation here.
