Tip:Teaching with Cases 2 --The Case Cycle

Those who teach others about teaching with cases suggest thinking of the progression involved in case discussion.

 What's going on?

• Who are the characters and what are their perspectives?
• What are the relationships among the characters?
• What is the chronology of events?
• What, in particular, is the perspective of the protagonist, the decision-maker?

Analysis of the case

• What is the central problem, the decision to be made?
• What are the issues?
• What theories, concepts are applicable to the situation presented?

 Actions to be taken

• The variety of possible solutions to the problem presented
• Theoretical and conceptual support for the proposed solutions
• Evaluation of the proposed solutions
• Alternatives, "Plan B"

Evaluation by participants

• Content of the case
• Discussion
• Solution presented

--Adapted from Silverman, Welty, An Introduction to Cases, Pace University Center for Case Studies (1997)