Case Studies - Online Engagement and Teaching Hub

What is it?

Case studies are scenarios which are created and used as a method to promote analysis and discussion. They are often written in narrative form. Students use the material to make decisions or to engage in further inquiry as part of an ongoing investigation of a concept or topic.

Why use it?

Case studies encourage students to work on complex and complicated real-world problems or topics through evidence-based research and findings.
Promotes critical problem-solving skills as students find realistic solutions to complex problems.
Encourages deeper learning as students are active participants in the analysis and construction of knowledge.
Enables students to apply their previously acquired knowledge and skills.
Promotes a collaborative learning environment.

How do I do it?

	Synchronous face-to-face	Synchronous online	Asynchronous
Student preparation	Choose a case that is complex enough to encourage the students to actively engage with the material. Ensure students’ work is based on research and evidence. Provide students with some issues to consider (or students can do this themselves prior to the session)	Choose a case that is complex enough to encourage the students to actively engage with the material. Ensure students’ work is based on research and evidence (or students can do this themselves prior to the session).	Choose a case that is complex enough to encourage students to actively engage with the material. Ensure students’ work is based on research and evidence (or students can do this themselves prior to the session).
Your preparation	Set up small groups (3-4) of students.	Set up small groups (3-4) of students in breakout rooms.	Set up small groups (3-4) in the LMS.
During activity	Students discuss case study in their groups. Designated student presents on case study.	Students discuss case study in their groups. Designated student presents on case study.	Students are provided with a template to use to address aspects of the case study. Students upload documents. Students are required to post at least one piece of feedback against each uploaded document.
Artefact	Each presentation is posted to the discussion board or designated area in the LMS.	Each presentation is posted to the discussion board or designated area in the LMS.	Documents and comments are available in the discussion forum.

Considerations

Consider providing students with a template for presenting to the group.
Encourage students (synchronous) to create a presentation to share with others – this might be useful for students who were unable to attend the synchronous session.
Implementing case studies can be time consuming so planning is important.
Encourage students to reflect on the session and how course content has been applied or extended .

Resources

BU Center for Teaching and Learning. Using Case Studies to Teach (n.d.). Retrieved April 7th 2025 from https://www.bu.edu/ctl/resources/teaching-resources/using-case-studies-to-teach/

Northern Illinois University Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Case studies (2012). In Instructional guide for university faculty and teaching assistants. Retrieved April 7th 2025 from https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide

UNSW Teaching. Case studies (n.d.). Retrieved April 7th 2025 from https://www.teaching.unsw.edu.au/case-studies