Course Outline:
What is the Field-based Case Method?
- “Traditional pedagogic approaches, based on lectures and examinations, often do not address the need for practical, problem-solving skills: the ability to think, analyze, discuss, and develop solutions to problems as they are encountered in the field.The case method is a proven, effective approach to strengthening these skills.”
- “The mastery of facts, technical processes, the formal logic of models and concepts, the contents of literature, and the ideas of experts are often important objectives best pursued through lectures, small group discussions and problem sets: the so called traditional approach.”
- “Nor is the case method the only way to create real-world-oriented, experience-based learning opportunities; internships, field placements, and field research assignments are often effective I giving students experience with real-world problem analysis.”
Source: Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development (FASID), 1999
Many Ways of Teaching/Learning
- Lectures, i.e., planned, formal presentations;
- Socratic method, interrogation, dialogue, and debate;
- Small group discussions, study teams;
- Critical incident analysis, i.e., close analysis of a particular event or decisions;
- Role play;
- Exercise/problem sets;
- Internships/field placements;
- Participant observation;
- Case teaching; and
- Other innovative teaching/learning approaches
Source: Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development (FASID), 1999
Discussion Pedagogy
- “… When educational objectives focus on qualities of mind (curiosity, judgment, wisdom), qualities of person (character, sensitivity, integrity, responsibility), and the ability to apply general concepts and knowledge to specific situations, discussion pedagogy may well be very effective.”
- “Lectures about judgment typically have limited impact. Reading about problems or memorizing principles does little to prepare the practitioner … to apply concept and knowledge to the complexity of real-life problems.”
- “Discussion teaching … puts the students in an active learning mode, challenges them to accept substantial responsibility for their own education, and gives them first-hand appreciation of, and experience with, the application of knowledge to practice.”
Source: Barnes, Christensen, and Hansen, Teaching and the Case Method, 1994
