Page 17 - Case Lab Case Method

The case study has a number of benefits:

• they allow users to develop skill in thinking clearly

about ambiguous, complex, unstructured situations

using incomplete information;

• they help users to develop skills at recognising the

value of information both present and missing in the

case;

• they help users to develop concise, reasonable, and

consistent action plans;

• they help users to identify implicit models and

assumptions;

• they provide an opportunity to develop communication

skills in presenting (written and oral);

• improve the ability to predict behavioural outcomes of

participants.

Consequently, the case method fosters analytic or critical
thinking, which also helps develop student’s confidence and

skill in dealing with complex, unanticipated issues in real life

situations. It transfers much of the responsibility for
learning from the teacher to the student, whose role shifts

from passive absorption to active construction of meaning.

The case method helps students learn higher-level concepts
and their application to practical situations whilst at the

same time allowing them to learn from group participation.