By James A. Erskine*
Workshop A. How Case Writers Can Increase Their Efficiency and Effectiveness
Writing field-based, decision-oriented cases for use in classroom discussions is of interest to new and experienced case writers. A process that is applicable across all disciplines will be presented. Objectives: 1. Introduce the ‘Case Difficulty Cube Concept.’ 2. Re-engineer the Normal Steps in Writing a Case. 3. Introduce the Concept of the Case Plan. 4. Discuss Continuing Challenges.
Workshop B. How Instructors Can Increase Their Efficiency and Effectiveness
The focus of this workshop is on fundamental prerequisites necessary for effective teaching and learning with cases. New and experienced teachers alike, across all disciplines, will have an opportunity to participate in a sample case method class. Objectives include: 1. Review the distinguishing characteristics of a case and the reasons for using cases. 2. Discuss the fundamental prerequisites. 3. Practice the three-stage process for effective learning with cases. 4. Experience a typical class using a short, general purpose case.
Workshop C. Facilitating Case Classroom Discussions
The classroom management. An opportunity is provided for both new and experienced teachers, across all disciplines, to discuss a variety of situations which may occur in 'discussion based learning' using cases. Objectives: Model classroom management techniques through small and large discussion groups.
Workshop D. How Students Can Increase Their Efficiency and Effectiveness
This workshop is focused on helping students to learn faster and better
using cases. Objectives: 1. Review the distinguishing characteristics
of a case and the reasons for using cases. 2. Review the Case Difficulty
Cube and the benefits to students. 3. Review the Three-Stage Process for
learning with cases. 4. Introduce tools for effective student learning.
5. Apply the ‘learning with cases tools’ using a short case.
*Dr. Erskine is Associate Professor of Business Administration at the Richard Ivey School of Business, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario.