Case Study

Case studies or case methods are based on real-life examples of complex problems that learners study, analyze and discuss. Cases are presented to learners in case reports, which consist “researched, pre-designed written materials” along with supplemental audiovisuals. Case reports describe a complex problem or situation in detail. The problem should fit the interests of the learners and the concepts that are being taught. The case report should describe the problem, along with the context the problem is occurring in and the people in the case.

In the case analysis, learners probe the case to try identify the “underlying principles and problems” and explain the situation. Analysis should be grounded in the facts of the case.

The final component of the case method is the discussion. The discussion can be structured is multiple ways, but guided group discussion seems to provide the best balance between the facilitation learners might need in this complicated process and the freedom that can elicit the diversity of perspectives necessary in addressing complex problems.

Application: I have written before about the Extension Innovation events I have participated in. Some iterations of these events have used Adobe’s “Kickbox” process as a guide for innovation. I would like to apply the “Kickbox” process along with the case method. In Innovate events, some learners struggle to identify a real-world problem to apply the “Kickbox” process to. The purpose of these events are to cultivate an innovation mindset, but many learners find themselves so stuck in the efficiency mindset that they cannot even generate an issue to innovate around. Using the case method could be helpful for these learners. My colleagues and I would create a case centered on a complex, community problem, then ask Innovate event participants to analyze it, discuss it, and use the “Kickbox” process to find new, innovative ways of addressing it.

As Marsick notes, generating an effective case report is no small task. I will need collaborators to do it well. There is an informal team of Innovate event organizers and coaches that I can enlist in co-creating the case report. Usually Innovate events last one day, so the case report could be provided to participants in advance for analysis at “Kickbox” level 1, inception. At the event, analysis could continue in groups, using “Kickbox” level 2, ideate. The case discussion would be facilitated through the use of “Kickbox” levels 3-6, improve, investigate, iterate and infiltrate.

Assessment: Three-Minute Presentation

The assessment for the Innovate Extension events is a variation on the three-minute thesis. Innovation teams have three minutes to present the innovative idea they had worked on at the workshop. Their peers are able to provide feedback on the presentations through an online form. We could use this same assessment with teams presenting their analysis of the case and their preferred solution for addressing the complex issue presented in the case.

References

Kickbox. Retrieved April 3, 2018, from https://kickbox.adobe.com/workshop/kickbox/

Marsick, Victoria J. (2004). Case Study. In Michael W. Galbraith (Eds.), Adult Learning Methods: A Guide for Effective Instruction (3^rd Ed.) (383-404). Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Company.