This paper discusses case studies as an active learning strategy for helping students develop the critical thinking processes that are key to composing, interpreting, and responding to literature and are important in other fields as well. To illustrate how case studies work in the classroom, why they are exciting and beneficial, and how they are…

Presents a case procedure designed to assist trainees in perfecting their problem-solving skills. Elements of that procedure are the rationale behind this "self-actualizing" case method; the role that the instructor, case leaders, and participants play in its execution; and the closed-loop grading system used for peer evaluation. (CT)

Presents a case (based upon an actual situation that occurred between an insurance underwriter and a major university) used in a business writing course. Notes that the assignment requires students to compose a letter that addresses complaints, conveys bad news, maintains good will, and attempts to persuade the reader to renew a contract under…

Presents a case study on sustainability using the concept "Ecological Footprint" to focus on the Biosphere II experiment. Discusses the increasing rate of population growth and Earth's capability of sustaining humans with its limited natural resources, material consumption, and pollution and how to measure sustainability. Includes…

A literature review analyzed training designs in four professional development approaches: case study, goal-based scenario, problem-based learning, and action learning. Case study and scenario tended to foster single-loop learning and solution of well-structured problems; problem-based and action learning fostered double-loop learning and…

Uses the modern concept of genre to define the "case write-up" (the dominant written genre in case-based business schools). Concludes that case write-ups prepare students for classroom performance in the central event of the classroom, the oral analysis of the case. Argues that the write-up prepares students to solve problems, make decisions, and…

Discusses methods for analyzing case studies of failures of technological systems. Describes two distance learning courses that compare standard models of failure and success with the actuality of given scenarios. Provides teaching and learning materials and information sources for application to aspects of design, manufacture, inspection, use,…

Offers two responses to the case study for management communication classes (presented in this same issue) examining issues of performance appraisals and employee feedback in a company after a recent merger. Outlines advice for coaching the supervisor on the performance appraisal process and in his understanding of cultural mergers. Examines…

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with an electrical company that finds itself with an environmental crisis on its hands. Includes five assignments as well as five samples. (SR)

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Discusses a successful entertainment amphitheater's problems with noise complaints, a city council's reluctance to spend money for an acoustical study, and the…

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with situation in a sports training equipment firm in which a new president and the board decided to cut a successful and popular sales training program.…

Describes how a professor teaching a "Writing Arguments" course focused on two cases involving the death penalty to show students how arguments are constructed, and how students can form strong arguments of their own. Notes that this approach does not force students to choose sides when they stand somewhere in the middle. Describes four…

Presents a classroom activity in which students identify the possible ways of reducing NOx emissions to reduce ground-level ozone. (YDS)

Presents a case study of a tutoring session. Includes portions of the student's essay and perspectives from both student and tutor. Presents two responses to the case study that argue for focusing on the writer as a writer of a paper, instead of on the paper as a product of the tutorial; and on what makes a tutoring session effective. (SR)

Presents an instructional activity in which graduate students examine information about a case, then render an opinion based on the referral. Uses a computer program to create an interactive format in which students can experience authentic cases. Suggests that case studies be used as the basis of class discussion. (DSK)