Casey - what is it? Case methods and case problems

One of the latest achievements of learning technologies are cases. This is a problem-situational method that allows the integration of theory and practice at the same time. Its application in the Russian education is very actual today. After all, there is nothing more effective than independent immersion in the problem and the search for a solution. Let's look in more detail what are cases, where they originated and what practical value they have.

The essence of the method

The case method is a relatively new technology for teaching students. Its essence lies in the fact that students are offered to analyze the real situation (or as close to reality as possible). At the same time, the choice of the problem is not arbitrary, but in order to activate a certain set of knowledge. In the process of solving the problem, they must be mastered. It is noteworthy that the case-task does not have a unique solution. It only tests the student's ability to analyze and quickly find a solution to the situation.

Case-method is an interactive technology. Therefore, it is very positively perceived by students as a game for mastering practical skills using real material.

Case-stage is a multi-level technology that has a number of features and features. They help distinguish this method from others. This includes the socio-economic model, team development of solutions, their alternatives and a single goal.

History

For the first time, application of case studies became known in 1924. Teachers at the Harvard Business School realized that there are no suitable textbooks for the post-graduate program. Therefore, they decided to conduct interviews with successful business owners and draw up detailed reports on their activities. The students were offered to listen to the materials, get acquainted with the details of the problem situations that the companies faced. Then, during a general discussion, students looked for ways to get out of the situation.

Gradually, this method was adjusted and distributed throughout the world. Since the 50s of the last century it has become popular throughout Western Europe, in leading business schools (ESADE, INSEAD, LSE, HEC).

In Russia, the case study is a popular learning technology since the 2000s. Currently, not only transfer cases, but also author's created for the competition, attestation of students are applied. In addition, they open themed case clubs. Among the already popular are the career center NITU "MISiS", the club MSTU. E. Bauman and others.

Classification

There is a fairly wide classification of cases by several criteria: by structure, size, form of representation, object, volume, design, etc.

The structure is divided into three types: structured, unstructured and pioneering cases. These are tasks with several correct solutions and a certain selection of data. A distinctive feature is their purpose. The first form the ability to consistently apply theoretical knowledge, formulas in practice. The second and third contribute to the search for non-standard solutions.

The size is divided into full, compressed and mini-cases. The total volume is usually up to 25 pages. They are great for teamwork. The analysis is released a few days, after which the team's presentation takes place with the presentation of the solution.

Compressed cases are materials for a maximum of five pages. They are for group discussion in class.

Mini-cases are a kind of information brochure. Often they are used as accompanying illustrations or examples of theoretical material with questions.

By the way of registration, print and electronic materials, audio and video recordings are singled out. Recently, a flip chart has become popular, or a flip-case. What it is? The information is presented in the form of a story, and the main elements are fixed on a special magnetic marker bulletin board.

Also, cases are distinguished in terms of complexity and discipline.

Work method in business

The most popular field of application of cases is business training. After all, for successful development in your own business you need not only personal aspirations and knowledge of the market, but also certain past experience of other companies that more than give business cases. What it is?

This is a specially prepared material that describes a specific business problem. The teacher's task in such classes is to direct students to the correct channel for finding solutions. And this requires a sufficient amount of data, statistics, the participation of a successful manager in the creation of the case and the availability of a suitable business situation.

A significant contribution to the development of the case-study is made by consulting and audit organizations. They use it not only in training, but also in interviews when hiring. This technology helps to immediately identify potential employees' ability to analyze, synthesize. Often, as a first qualifying round is a corporate case-competition. An example of this can be the famous annual championship in Russia from Microsoft.

Method of solution

To find the right solution for any case, use a clear plan. The first item implies the statement of the problem and concerns the teacher. In the second place are the case study and the definition of topics. Here it is important to describe the situation schematically with the allocation of its main components. At the third stage, students should diagnose, that is, find out why a person or company is experiencing a crisis, and formulate the problem. The next step will be the development of solutions. Only after evaluating all the options and choosing the right one can we proceed to develop a strategy for implementing and presenting the findings of the analytical work.

Capabilities

Today, case technology is a highly sought-after method of teaching, which has a number of advantages or opportunities. The need to introduce it into the practice of students implies two good reasons. First, students should not only receive "dry" theoretical knowledge, but also develop skills in thinking activity and change paradigms of thinking depending on the specific situation. Secondly, an expert must have certain personal qualities: optimal behavior in crisis situations, differ in the system and effectiveness of actions.

Development strategy

Despite the effectiveness of the case method, it can not be used in every discipline. And only there, where the formation of appropriate skills and personal qualities is required. From here one can clearly formulate a strategy for the development of this technology. First, the method should be actively used in the training of those people who have chosen market professions (manager, economist, broker, image maker), where situational activity dominates. Secondly, it is very relevant for the retraining of personnel, it helps to modernize knowledge and skills. And of course, the case method should not be the only one in the arsenal of teachers, but go in combination with traditional methods (for example, lecture material).