Close the Gap: An Educator Guide

Method 2: Case Studies



Give small groups of participants case studies to respond to as primary data for learning. Cases can encourage analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, and planning skills, as well as cooperation and team building. They can be used to set up effective debates (e.g., groups assigned to argue assigned positions on an issue) and comparisons (e.g., different analyses or solutions of problems in the case).
  • Real cases can be drawn from historical or current events.
  • Fictional or hypothetical cases might be developed to address particular issues or workshop topics. Fictional situations can often address locally sensitive issues without evoking responses to particular individuals, organizations, social groups, or geographic regions.
  • Fieldwork cases can be developed participant interviews in the community.
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