One of the latest advances in learning technology are cases. This is a problem-situational method that allows you to integrate both theory and practice. Its use in Russian education is very relevant today. After all, there is nothing more effective than self-immersion in a problem and finding a solution. We will examine in more detail what cases are, where they came from and what practical significance they have.
The essence of the method
The case method is a relatively new technology for teaching students. Its essence lies in the fact that students are offered for analysis a real situation (or as close to reality as possible). In this case, the choice of the problem does not occur arbitrarily, but with the aim of activating a certain set of knowledge. In the process of solving the problem, they must be learned. It is noteworthy that the case-study does not have a unique solution. It only tests the student's ability to analyze and quickly search for a solution to the situation.
The case method is an interactive technology. Therefore, students are very positively perceived as a game for mastering practical skills using real material.
Case study is a multi-level technology that has a number of features and features. They help distinguish this method from others. This may include the presence of a socio-economic model, team decision-making, their alternativeness and a common goal.
History
For the first time, the use of case studies in teaching became known in 1924. Teachers at Harvard Business School realized that there were no suitable textbooks for the graduate program. Therefore, they decided to conduct interviews with successful business owners and compile detailed reports on their activities. Students were offered to listen to materials, to get acquainted with the details of the problem situations that companies faced. Then, during a general discussion, students looked for ways out of the situation.
Gradually, this method was adjusted and spread throughout the world. Since the 50s of the last century, it has become popular throughout Western Europe, in leading business schools (ESADE, INSEAD, LSE, HEC).
In Russia, case studies have been a popular learning technology since the 2000s. Currently, not only translated cases are used, but also copyright ones created for competitions, student certification. In addition, themed case clubs open. Among the already popular, one can note the career center of NUST “MISiS”, the club of MSTU. E. Bauman and others
Classification
There is a fairly broad classification of cases according to several criteria: by structure, size, form of presentation, object, volume, design, etc.
Three types are distinguished by structure: structured, unstructured, and pioneering cases. These are tasks with several correct solutions and a certain selection of data. A distinctive feature is their purpose. The former form the ability to consistently apply theoretical knowledge, formulas in practice. The second and third contribute to the search for innovative solutions.
The size distinguish between full, compressed and mini-cases. The full size is usually up to 25 pages. They are great for teamwork. A few days are released for analysis, after which a team performs with a presentation of the solution.
Compressed cases are materials with a maximum of five pages. They are intended for group discussion in class.
Mini-cases are some kind of informational brochures. Often they are used as accompanying illustrations or examples of theoretical material with questions.
According to the design method, printed and electronic materials, audio and video recordings are distinguished. Recently, a flipchart, or flip case, is gaining popularity. What it is? Information is presented in the form of a story, and the main elements are fixed on a special magnetic whiteboard.
Cases are also distinguished by level of complexity and disciplines.
Method work in business
The most popular application field for case studies is business training. Indeed, for successful development in your own business, you need not only personal aspirations and knowledge of the market, but also a certain experience of the past of other companies that more than give business cases. What it is?
This is specially prepared material describing a specific business problem. The teacher’s task in such classes is to guide students in the right direction of finding solutions. And this requires a sufficient amount of data, statistics, the participation of a successful manager in creating a case and the presence of a suitable business situation.
A significant contribution to the development of the case method is made by consulting and audit organizations. They use it not only in training, but also in job interviews. This technology helps to immediately identify potential employees with the ability to analyze and synthesize. Often, as a first qualifying round, a corporate case competition takes place. An example of this is the well-known annual championship in Russia from Microsoft.
Solution technique
A clear plan is used to find the right solution for any case. The first paragraph implies the statement of the problem and concerns the teacher. In second place are viewing the case and identifying topics. It is important to describe the situation schematically with the allocation of its main components. At the third stage, students should make a diagnosis, that is, find out why a person or company is experiencing a crisis, and formulate a problem. The next step will be to develop solutions. Only after evaluating all the options and choosing the right one can we proceed to the development of an implementation strategy and the presentation of the conclusions of the analytical work.
Capabilities
Today, case technology is a very popular teaching method that has a number of advantages or opportunities. The need to introduce it into the practice of students suggests two good reasons. Firstly, students should not only receive “dry” theoretical knowledge, but also develop their thinking skills and change their thinking paradigms depending on the specific situation. Secondly, the specialist must have certain personal qualities: optimal behavior in crisis situations, be systematic and effective in actions.
Development strategy
Despite the effectiveness of the case method, it can be used by no means in every discipline. But only where the formation of appropriate skills and personal qualities are required. From here you can clearly formulate a development strategy for this technology. Firstly, the method should be actively applied in the process of training those people who have chosen market professions (manager, economist, broker, image maker), where situational activity dominates. Secondly, it is very relevant in the retraining of personnel, helps to modernize knowledge and skills. And of course, the case method should not be the only one in the arsenal of teachers, but should be combined with traditional methods (for example, lecture material).