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Dr. Deborah Breen CAS Writing Program. Variations on the Case Study Enabling Active Learning for Students. The basic case study. Widely used in medicine, business, and law A focused look at a problem (problem-based learning)
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Dr. Deborah Breen CAS Writing Program Variations on the Case StudyEnabling Active Learning for Students
The basic case study • Widely used in medicine, business, and law • A focused look at a problem (problem-based learning) • Investigates a specific ‘case’ to establish principles and extrapolate to broader concepts
Student-led case studies • Research a ‘problem’: identify a range of sources • Choose key sources for class reading • Write the ‘case’ to introduce sources • Present the case to the class • Evaluate the process and ‘product’
Case Study Components • Conceptual framework • Descriptive Statement • Analytical Assessment • Timeline • Source summaries, sources, and reading questions • ‘Research Agenda’ • Annotated Bibliography
Use of Technology • Library databases • Refworks (Group Account) • Blackboard group pages • File Exchange • Discussion Board • Facebook • Google Docs
Issues for students and teachers • Group agreement on topic • Logistical issues (time, input, division of work, communication) • Melding different styles, skills, and cultural approaches • Collaborative writing as a new experience • Assessing group projects
What does the case study offer our students? • Confidence in research and writing skills through supported experience • Community in the classroom • Collaborative skills in preparation for today’s workplace
Purifying Charles River water “Technology, Innovation, and International Development” WR 150 Fall 2010 L to R: Susie Stiles, David Conegliano, Henriette Graff, Yuzhao Wu
Final thoughts. . . I believe this was the most useful and interesting part of WR150 and it should be integrated into every second-level writing course. I learned to accept other opinions, work with other people, and contribute ideas to discussions. To my surprise, when the case study was finally over, I was sad we would have to write a standard essay for paper three and not be able to work in teams. David C. Fall 2010
Questions ? Thank you . . .