Case study method is the acknowledged approach to the teaching of management. Management is an applied discipline. Experience is a great teacher. It gives the lesson first and the learning later. Theory often fails to drive home and does not get internalized. The case method simulates the real life situation and places the student in the position of the business manger required to make a set of decisions.
With the case method, the process of arriving at an answer is more important than the answer itself. In the process the student learns the process of decision making. The student also learns to support the decisions with appropriate analysis and communicate ideas both orally and in writing. The method of teaching thus shifts much of the responsibility to the student. The methodology shifts from Instructor Led Teaching (ILT) to a Student Pull Learning (SPL).
Studying through the case method results in development of skills in critical thinking, reasoning and communication. When the viewpoint is challenged and conflicting views surface, the student develops a greater awareness of the complexities of managerial decision making.
With significant participation from the students, the classroom becomes an exciting and inviting place and learning becomes fun. Set in a simulated real life environment, the learning becomes internalized. Clearly, the case method of teaching is a more effective way of teaching most management topics.
While we all appreciate the need for using the case method, not many of us are adept at the same.
This workshop is aimed at sharpening our skills in the case method of teaching. There are three clear requirements of effective teaching using the case method
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Identifying the most effective cases for the topics covered in the course.
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Preparing to lead the class discussion.
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Leading the class discussion in a manner such that student s discover the theory rather than be informed about it.
Given the contextual nature of management education, the best cases are the ones developed by the instructor and hence the course instructors become effective course co-ordinators when they develop live case material.
This workshop using the case method of teaching shall help the participants in developing skills in the above areas and shall close with a project on case development.
