Consider age group/ cultural background
To maximise the impact of case studies, it's crucial to consider the diverse backgrounds and developmental stages of your learners.
When teaching with case studies, we can leverage Erikson's 5th developmental phase (Identity vs. Role confusion, Adolescence, 12-18 years). To enhance learning and personal growth for adolescents and young adults. This approach aligns well with Piaget's formal operational stage, which typically begins around age 12 and continues into adulthood. During the formal operational stage, learners develop the capacity for abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and systematic problem-solving.
This cognitive advancement allows you to design more complex and nuanced case studies. Would you like to know how you can support your learners with different learning types in case study learning? Click on the video and learn more.
Personal reflection
What two psychological theories are mentioned as the basis for the effective use of case studies in education?
The text mentions Erikson's theory of psychosocial development and Piaget's theory of cognitive development as two basic psychological concepts for the effective use of case studies.
What is one suggested strategy for creating case studies that helps students develop the ability to think from different perspectives?
One suggested strategy is "Consider Multiple Perspectives." It recommends creating scenarios that represent different points of view, which helps students evaluate and synthesize arguments.
Other strategies are:
- Analyze hypothetical scenarios: Introduce abstract situations that go beyond students’ direct experiences, encouraging creative and critical thinking.
- Engage in deductive reasoning: Frame cases like puzzles, where students form hypotheses and test solutions.
- Explore ethical dilemmas: Present morally complex challenges that require thoughtful decision-making and application of abstract principles.
- Propose and evaluate solutions: Encourage students to brainstorm multiple solutions and critically assess their feasibility.