Lessons in Case Study Teaching: Insights from a Case Series on "EB"

Teaching case studies effectively involves more than just delivering content—it's about adapting to the dynamics within the classroom, understanding the implicit learning contracts with students, and being responsive to their evolving needs. A recent case series I explored illustrates the challenges and lessons of case study teaching, particularly when an instructor struggles to balance authority with flexibility.

One of the most striking aspects of the instructor’s teaching method is his use of the classroom boards. His meticulous approach involves dividing the boards into three distinct sections: case facts on the left, analysis in the center, and recommendations on the right. This structured board plan ensures that every discussion follows a logical progression, helping students to clearly see the flow from facts to conclusions.

This board usage also reflects his directive teaching style, which worked effectively in the early stages of the course. By providing a clear visual structure, he helped his students navigate complex material, especially when they were still getting accustomed to the case method. However, as the course progressed, the need for this rigid structure began to clash with the students' growing desire for more autonomy in their learning process.

A. Key Takeaways for Teaching Case Studies

The case series offers several valuable lessons for educators learning how to teach case studies:

1. Adaptability in Teaching Style

- Lesson: A successful teaching style at the start of a course may need to evolve as students' needs change. The instructor’s initial directive approach worked well, but as students gained confidence, they needed more autonomy, and the rigid structure led to tension.

2. Understanding and Responding to Group Dynamics

- Lesson: Group dynamics play a crucial role in the classroom. As students became more cohesive, they collectively resisted the teaching style. Earlier recognition and adaptation to these dynamics could have mitigated the resistance.

3. The Importance of Clear Communication and Learning Contracts

- Lesson: The implicit and explicit learning contracts between teachers and students must be clear and mutually understood. The instructor’s struggle with these contracts led to confusion and resistance when his expectations didn’t align with the students’.

4. Balancing Rigor with Approachability

- Lesson: While academic rigor is important, it must be balanced with approachability and sensitivity to students' stress levels. Emphasizing rigor without considering these factors can increase tension and disrupt classroom dynamics.

5. Effective Use of Feedback and Self-Reflection

- Lesson: Regularly seeking and reflecting on student feedback is essential for continuous improvement. The eventual adaptation of the teaching style, prompted by student feedback, highlights the importance of responsiveness.

6. Applying Raven's Five Sources of Power in Teaching

- Lesson: The effective use of power in the classroom is critical. According to Raven's five sources of power—**legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, and referent**—a balanced approach is needed.

- Legitimate Power: Derived from the instructor’s formal role; essential for establishing authority.

- Reward Power: The ability to offer positive reinforcement; crucial for motivating students.

- Coercive Power: The capacity to enforce discipline; must be used sparingly to avoid resentment.

- Expert Power: Gained through knowledge and expertise; this can be strengthened by showing vulnerability and a willingness to learn from students.

- Referent Power: Built on respect and admiration; achieved by being approachable and genuinely engaging with students.

- Example: The instructor initially relied heavily on legitimate and coercive power, but he could have benefited from building expert and referent power by showing a genuine willingness to learn from his students and by fostering a more collaborative classroom environment.

7. The Impact of Teaching Style on Student Learning

- Lesson: The way a teacher conducts a class can significantly influence students’ learning outcomes. Flexibility in teaching methods, including varying the level of direction and allowing discussions to flow more naturally, can enhance learning.

- Example: The decision to loosen the directive style later in the semester allowed for more effective and engaging discussions, which improved the learning experience for students.

8. Handling Classroom Challenges and Resistance

- Lesson: When faced with resistance or challenges in the classroom, it’s important to address the underlying issues rather than just the symptoms. Understanding the root causes of resistance can lead to more effective solutions.

9. Teaching as a Collaborative Process

- Lesson: Effective teaching involves collaboration between the instructor and students. This means daring to be vulnerable, demonstrating genuine curiosity, and having the energy to learn together with the students. Recognizing that students often bring their own expertise to the classroom can create a more dynamic and productive learning environment.

- Example: When the instructor began to see the value in learning from his students and adjusted his approach accordingly, the classroom dynamic improved. The students responded positively to this shift, leading to better outcomes for both the instructor and the class.

Learning from Ted Klever’s Approach

In contrast, another educator, Ted Klever, employed a non-directive teaching style where he did not interrupt students and allowed them to engage with each other more freely. This approach fostered a highly engaged and interactive classroom environment. Ted’s method shows the benefits of stepping back and letting students take the lead in discussions, encouraging deeper engagement and peer learning—essential elements of effective case study teaching.Conclusion

Conclusion

The case series offers invaluable lessons for anyone involved in teaching, particularly in case-based learning environments. By understanding the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and the role of group dynamics, educators can create more effective and engaging learning experiences. The journey through this series highlights the challenges and rewards of teaching, reminding us that continuous reflection, a willingness to adapt, and daring to be vulnerable are key to success in the classroom.