Eltam journal no 2 8th eltam iatefl tesol international biannual conference managing teaching and learning

How do we define case studies?
Case studies are a form of problem-based learning, where a situation that needs a resolution is 
presented. Problem-based learning - PBL is a style of active learning and a student-centered 
approach in which students learn about a subject through the experience of solving a problem 
(Barr & Tagg, 1995). They also learn both thinking strategies and knowledge in a specific field. 
PBL helps the students acquire flexible and transferable knowledge and develop effective 
problem solving and analytical skills. Furthermore, it puts through self-directed learning and 
effective collaboration through group and/or pair work. Case studies are a method used in 
medicine, psychology, science etc. In this paper business case studies will be taken into 
consideration for language learning purposes. A typical business case study is a detailed account 
or a well-outlined story (real or imaginary) of what happened in a particular company over a 
period in time. Often case studies deal with a specific situation in a whole industry or project in 
a set period of time. The case study should provide the learner details about the situation which 
is often given in a historical context. The key characters or stakeholders are also introduced and 
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http://archive.ecml.at/mtp2/clilmatrix/EN/CLIL_background_EN.htm
 

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the objectives and the challenges they are facing are outlined. This is followed by specific 
examples and/or data, which the learner uses to analyze the situation, determine and/or analyze 
what happened, and make recommendations how to solve the problem. The depth of a case 
depends on the lesson being taught. A case study can be short comprising of two or three pages, 
or long consisting of twenty or more pages. A good case study stimulates critical thinking 
regarding the information presented; enables development of a thorough assessment of the 
situation which will ultimately lead to a well-thought-out solution or recommendation. 
Why use a case study in the EFL classroom?
Case studies are a great way to improve and enrich a learning experience. First, they get the 
learner involved and encourage immediate use of newly acquired skills and knowledge. They 
differ from lectures or various assigned readings because they require participation and 
conscious application of a wide range of skills and knowledge. Furthermore, case studies point 
to the difference between knowing what to do and knowing how to do something. Case studies 
offer an opportunity to compare the learner's recommendations and solutions to a problem with 
what actually happened which gives an additional opportunity for development of skills, 
acquiring knowledge, discussion, assessment, and evaluation and thus differing from other 
practical or problem-based forms of learning, like scenarios and simulations. They are also 
suitable for individualized learning since they include tasks that match the needs of the learners 
in relation to the differences in individuals' learning styles. They include visuals, charts, pies, 
photos and can involve various activities suitable for individualized learning (pair or/and group; 
drawing charts, visuals, sketches; listening, reading, writing, and speaking activities). Finally, 
they put language skills in practice and make language learning meaningful, memorable, real, 
and in context. 
The Structure of a Case Study 
A typical case study structure includes these elements: executive summary where the objective 
of the case study is defined and the key challenge is stated; opening paragraph which serves to 
capture the reader's interest; scope where the background, the context, the approach, and the 
issues involved are defined; presentation of the facts which serves for developing an objective 
picture of what is/was happening; description of key issues where the viewpoints, the decisions, 
and the interests of the involved parties are outlined as well as the problem(s) that should be 
addressed. The key issues or the problem can be presented in form of a question or several key 
questions which is particularly suitable for learners who do not have experience with case 
studies. Most often, case studies are followed by annexes where appropriate data (charts, pies, 
photos etc.) are presented connected to the topic and the issue in the case study. These additional 
pieces of information are valuable for thorough analysis of the problem and providing a 
solution. Most case studies contain a paragraph explaining what actually happened in the end 
and how the problem was really solved and the consequences it resulted in. This part is not 
included in the version given to the students at first since it can influenc
e students’ suggestions 
and of course spoil the fun.