Course Activities: Case and Field Study Approach

Toby is a 4 year old beagle. The past few weeks he has been exhibiting signs of ...

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is one of the largest manufacturers, distributors, and marketers of nonalcoholic beverages in the world...

Virtual Field Trip Three follows the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions...

A type of problem-based learning, case and field studies involve learners in real-world applications of course content. Seek ways to apply course content to an authentic learning situation.

Case Studies

A case study is a "real world" example of the content in action. The case study approach involves students in analyzing real or fictional cases in detail.

Explore examples at Shaping Outcomes.

A great way to bridge theory and practice, case studies are a practical way to help students practice course content. You're also able to see how learners apply information and demonstrate understandings in authentic situations.

Rather than looking for a "right" answer, students are encouraged to consider varied points of view.

You can build fictional cases by combining real-world media with fictional scenarios. For instance, watch the YouTube video Red Shirting Kindergartners. This video could be incorporated into an activity for school administrators exploring how to handle PR issues.

Websites such as Edutopia provide lots of articles, audio, video, and lesson materials. For instance Differentiated Instruction Ignites Elementary Learning is an example of a resource with video.

Case Study Assignments. Present a specific situation or set of facts. Ask students to analyze the case:

• What's the context, key characters, and setting(s)?
• How does this case relate to course content?
• What are the primary issues?
• What are the different perspectives?
• What are possible solutions, alternative approaches, and consequences of various paths?
• What are the pros and cons for each approach or solution?
• What would you do? Take a stand. Use evidence to justify the position.
• How does this case generalize to the "real world"?

Ideas for Case Studies. Consider some the following ideas:

• Present a specific situation or set of facts
• Use organization websites, online reports, financial documents, or mission statements
• Analyze, forecast, create a report for, build an advertising campaign for
• Explain the rise and fall of a company
• Create a plan for this company to become more green
• Apply principles or rules from readings
• Practice client interactions and interview skills
• Ask "what if" questions

Case Studies and Critical Thinking. Encourage students to be critical thinkers who:

• Seek multiple options and solutions
• Keep an open mind
• Look at multiple perspectives
• View the spectrum of options from one extreme to another
• Look for holes in assumptions and generalizations
• Evaluate evidence
• Make informed decisions

Examples to Explore. Below you'll find a few examples of case studies.

• Bangladesh Study
• Case Studies in Small Animal Cardiovascular Medicine
• HAARP: A Case Study in Ultra-Modern Warfare
• Machine Space: A Case Study in Urbanization and Environment
• Natural Hazards from NASA Earth Observatory
• Nursing Case Studies: (1) Acute Low Back Pain and (2) Dermatological Conditions
• Visions for a Sustainable City: Owings Mills, MD - description of a class project

Field Studies and Experiences

A field experience asks students to make observations in a setting that reflects course content. For instance students might visit a museum and review works of art. Or, observe the social interactions at a local mall.

Students might shadow a professional for a day. The key is connecting course content with activities that will bring content alive.

Some projects focus on a particular shared experience such as an annual event, field trip, or school-wide activity. It might also involve connecting with students in other locations for a virtual experience.

• Make observations of activities and human interactions
• Gather data for problem solving or discussions

Tools for Field Study. Consider using the following tools to record experiences and observations:

• Audio camera
• Blog
• Digital still camera
• Sketches or drawings
• Notes
• Video camera

Examples to Explore. Below you'll find a few examples of case studies.

• Cape Cod Trip - videos and activities
• Fishing and Fish Biology - created by students at Mount Logan Middle School, UT

To find more examples, do a Google search for your topic and add the word "case study", "field study", or "field experience".

Virtual Field Study

Sometimes it's not possible to go on a live field trip. Consider ways to use virtual resources and data sets for these kinds of activities.

Examples of online data source materials:

• Physics of Atmospheres and Oceans
• Live Video Cameras - (1) Salt Lake City, UT, (2) Mauna Loa Observatory, (3) North Pole
• Synoptic Dynamics Laboratory

Reminders!
The case study approach involves students in analyzing real or fictional cases in detail.

Apply It!
Explore examples of case studies and field experiences.

List the pros and cons of using this approach with your content.

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