Assignment
The Case Study
Case studies have been used in many different areas of study - medical, law, and business. In education, case studies allow pre-service teachers to analyze a classroom scenario and put theory into practice. According to Boston University, "Many students are more inductive than deductive reasoners, which means that they learn better from examples than from logical development starting with basic principles. The use of case studies can, therefore, be a very effective classroom technique." The use of case studies will be used to:
1) To look carefully at exceptional children in an attempt to understand his or her cognitive, social, psychological, and physical development in regard to their disability in school and non-school contexts.
2) To apply insights and principles from research on exceptional child development and learning to a specific case.
3) To learn to see and interpret the world from another's perspective.
A. Introduction to the case
a. Briefly discuss the background information as presented in the case, including relevant facts and the most important issues. Do not re-tell the entire story - be clear, concise, and informative.
B. Alternatives
a. Outline at least three possible solutions to the problem.
b. Thoroughly explain why each solution was considered, along with the constraints/reasons.
c. Why are alternatives possible/not possible at this time?
C. Evidence
a. Demonstrate that you have researched the problems in this case study.
b. How does this solution tie to class content?
c. Provide evidence-based research that supports each alternative proposed in the section above.
d. For example, if you propose an alternative textbook for a student:
i. What alternative texts are available?
ii. What are the pros/cons of the alternative textbooks?
iii. What does the research say about a student's academic progress using the alternative?
D. Proposed Solution
a. Provide one specific and realistic solution that you would choose if this was your classroom. This may be a 4th option or one of the previously stated alternatives.
b. Explain why this solution was chosen and how it will resolve the issue.
c. Support this solution with research-based evidence.
d. How does this tie in with concepts from class (text readings, discussions, lectures)
e. Did you seek outside research?
f. Personal experience as it relates to field experience (anecdotes)
E. Recommendations
a. If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues.
b. What should be done and who should do it?
F. Sources
a. Scientific journals are preferred
b. Relevant websites.