Case Study 7: Involving students in a group-based cumulative case study

The University Sector 

Name: Dr Eric Deakins
Organisation: The University of Waikato
Email: EDEAKINS@waikato.ac.nz
Researcher: Jill Musgrave

In brief

'Part of my philosophy in terms of assessment is not to get wrapped up in fine detail about whether they missed out a comma or a full stop. I don't actually care about that. Are they of value to employers? Are they of value to themselves? Are they doing themselves justice? While they are being assessed, are they having a good time? I try to provide relevant and authentic situations for them.'

A university lecturer provides valuable learning opportunities for his students by involving them in an authentic group-based case study to investigate the needs of a real organisation.

The case study requires students to work in groups and engage in various roles. Involvement in this process helps students to develop oral and written skills, critical thinking skills, self-directed learning skills, co-operative and managerial skills, ethical awareness and intellectual flexibility for application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Students report that although the component parts of the paper look easy, by the end, they are working at a high level.