A case study is a narrative account of a series of events or situations around a special problem or problems, for example, malnourished children, family conflicts, crop infestation etc. Case studies are used for problem identification and problem solving activity, for developing alternative approaches and strategies in solving a problem, for making decisions or for presenting field experiences. The participants are enabled to appreciate the views of others and also to see the weaknesses in their own thinking and analysis. Therefore, case study should be used for promoting thinking and discussion, encourage empathy; provoke thought for asking questions.
This mission can be achieved by setting a climate where participants can be given the cases to be discussed and presented and thereafter, followed by discussion for highlighting the points.
Advantages:
It is a lively and interesting method. It keeps the participant vibrant and participating in the learning process.
It develops the thinking, analyzing and problem solving skills of the participants.
It relieves monotony of the faculty in giving continuous lectures and the boredom or participants in listening to continuous lectures.
Since cases are made out of real life situations, it helps the participants to solve the problems by applying the learning gained during training
The Human Relations skills are developed. Co-operation and understanding is found among the trainees to diagnose the problems and to solve them.
Disadvantages:
It is a time consuming and may be cumbersome at times.
Lack of provision of adequate data and incidents may dilute the case study method.
Some of the participants who are moderate and modest may not participate in the methodology.
If the case studies are lengthy, the participants may lose their concentration.
The intelligent and insightful trainees may find out the solutions very quickly whereas the dull ones may not find out anything out of the case.
Participants