Case Studies And How They Are Used

Abstract

Although case studies are widely used there are different opinions on what constitutes a case, and what the educational objectives are.  In summarizing some of the theory underlying the writing and use of cases [e.g. Eisenbeis, 1994, Erskine et al, 1998, Gilbertson & Gilbertson, 1995], we come to the conclusion that the choice of appropriate cases is dependent on the contextual factors, in particular whether the case is to be used to enable student learning, or, alternatively, if it is to be used to assess student learning.