Improving Student Engagement with Case Studies
How to approach the case method of teaching in an environment that doesn’t already have a strong case culture
- Set expectations very clearly.
If students don’t know what they are going to get out of the case class, they won’t know how to prepare for a case class. It is important for students to understand that the case method will not work well if they do not come to class prepared.
- Incorporate a contribution grade into your curriculum.
A contribution grade holds students accountable, aligns incentives with expectations, and ensures a rich classroom discussion.
- Utilize “buzz groups.”
Assign questions before class and have students work together as they prepare for the case class. Group preparation is very important in the case method and raises the energy level of the class.
- Set the scene.
Include information in advance about the case such as the company’s background, visual elements and learning objectives for the class. This acts as a warm-up to the case class.
- Ask students to complete a case assignment prior to class.
Written assignments in advance ensure that students have read the case and are prepared.
Thanks to Ivey faculty members Nicole Haggerty, Glenn Rowe, Alison Konrad and Darren Meister for sharing best practices.
