Case Study Analysis

At a Glance

• Time: 5 minutes
• Prep: Minimal (prepare brief case study scenario)
• Group: Small groups (3-4 students)
• Setting: Any classroom
• Subjects: Universal (especially strong for applied learning)
• Energy: Medium

Purpose

Bridge the gap between abstract theory and practical application by analyzing real or realistic scenarios that require students to apply course concepts to complex, ambiguous problems. Use this to demonstrate relevance, practice decision-making, or assess deep understanding of concepts.

How It Works

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Present the case (1-2 minutes) - Share a brief case study (1 paragraph) describing a real or realistic situation related to your content. Include enough detail for analysis but keep it concise

2. Analyze and propose solutions (3 minutes) - In groups, students: identify the key problem, apply relevant course concepts, analyze contributing factors, and propose a justified solution or recommendation

3. Share and compare (1 minute) - Groups share their analysis and proposed solutions. Compare: Did groups identify the same problems? Apply the same concepts? Reach different conclusions based on the same information?

What to Say

Opening: "Here's your case study: A local factory must decide whether to automate production, which would cut costs by 40% but eliminate 200 jobs in a town of 5,000 people. As business consultants, what do you recommend and why? Apply economic concepts we've studied—opportunity cost, externalities, stakeholder analysis. You have 3 minutes. Go!"

During: "What's the CORE problem here?... What course concepts apply?... Consider multiple stakeholders... What are the trade-offs?... Support your recommendation with specific reasoning..."

Closing: "Group 1 recommended automation with retraining programs; Group 2 recommended phased automation; Group 3 recommended no automation. Notice how the same facts led to different justified conclusions? That's the nature of complex real-world problems—they require judgment, not just formulas. What assumptions drove your different recommendations?"

Why It Works

Case studies make abstract content concrete by showing its real-world application. They require higher-order thinking—analysis, evaluation, synthesis—rather than simple recall. The ambiguity and complexity of real scenarios prevent simplistic answers and require students to navigate trade-offs, just as professionals do. Comparing multiple solutions reveals that complex problems rarely have single right answers, building tolerance for ambiguity and appreciation for evidence-based reasoning.

Research Connection: Case-based learning improves transfer of knowledge to novel situations and develops professional reasoning skills across disciplines from medicine to business to education (Hmelo-Silver, 2004; Kolodner et al., 2003).

Teacher Tip

The debrief is where the learning happens. Don't just collect answers—explore the reasoning: "Why did you choose that approach? What assumptions did you make? What evidence would change your mind?" This metacognitive reflection solidifies the thinking process, not just the content.

Variations

For Different Subjects

• Science: "A pharmaceutical company has a drug that works but causes side effects in 10% of patients. Regulatory decision?"
• History: "You're President Truman's advisor. The atomic bomb is ready. What do you recommend?"
• Math: "A store can sell 100 items at $10 each or 80 items at $15 each. Given cost structure, what should they do?"
• Literature: "You're the editor. This author submitted this controversial manuscript. Publish or reject? Why?"

For Different Settings

• Large Class (30+): Jigsaw approach—different groups analyze different cases, then expert groups form to compare
• Small Group (5-15): Whole-class analysis—present case, discuss collectively, build solution together

For Different Ages

• Elementary (K-5): Use simpler scenarios: "The cafeteria can serve pizza every day or rotate meals. What should they do? Why?"
• Middle/High School (6-12): Standard format with grade-appropriate complexity
• College/Adult: Multi-page cases with complex data; may extend beyond 5 minutes to 15-20 for thorough analysis

Online Adaptation

Tools Needed: Shared document with case study text; breakout rooms

Setup: Post case study in chat or shared doc before breaking into groups

Instructions:

1. Students read case independently (1 minute)
2. Breakout rooms for group analysis (3 minutes)
3. Groups type recommendations in shared doc or Padlet
4. Return to main room to compare solutions
5. Use polling to vote on most convincing recommendation

Pro Tip: Use a shared Google Doc with sections for each group—all groups can see each other's analysis developing in real-time

Troubleshooting

Challenge: Students jump to solutions without analysis Solution: Require a two-step process: "First, spend 90 seconds identifying and defining the problem using course concepts. THEN propose solutions. You can't solve what you haven't diagnosed."

Challenge: Analysis stays superficial—obvious observations without depth Solution: Push deeper with prompts: "You said 'it's complicated'—specifically HOW is it complicated?... What course concept explains this pattern?... What would [expert/theorist] say about this?"

Extension Ideas

• Deepen: After initial analysis, introduce new information: "Plot twist: now you learn the factory owner is facing bankruptcy. Does this change your recommendation?"
• Connect: Have students find and bring in their own real-world cases that illustrate course concepts
• Follow-up: Assign written case analysis as homework using the same framework: problem identification, concept application, solution with justification

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Related Activities: SWOT Analysis, One-Minute Problem Solving, Philosophical Chairs