Case Materials: Research and Practice

According to relevant research and descriptions of case study use, these materials are particularly useful in teaching (a) higher-order objectives, (b) procedures for problem-solving, (c) evaluation protocols, and (d) judging data within a context. Case materials, in a wide range of content areas, provide problem-oriented descriptions of real or believable events by providing sufficient detail on an event to permit a reader to analyze a problem and its possible solutions. These materials complement traditional methods and serve as a bridge between theory and practice. Case materials may also teach how to identify problems, evaluate or judge data, and solve problems. As a procedure for documenting past decisions (e.g., performance technology practices), case studies can provide new professionals with guidelines for designing or implementing their trade.