Using the case method of teaching

The case method is increasingly popular with instructors teaching about management in the food system. While many have adopted this approach, others would like to but feel they need to know more about the method before doing so. This article aims to help them by explaining this technique. It starts by describing what case studies, or simply “cases,” are, and the benefits of their discussion in class. Then it describes the roles and responsibilities of students and instructors when working with cases. Finally, it gives instructors pointers on how to produce effective class discussions using cases.