Case Story
Time: 30-45 minutes.
Roles: Presenter (must do a case story write-up, for details, see below); Facilitator (who also participates)
Comment: During the sharing and discussion of the story it is important to keep the purpose in mind—to try to understand the presenter's dilemma and to offer helpful suggestions. It is important to not be judgmental.
Specifics
- (5-10 minutes) The presenter reads his/her story aloud, then elaborates on the written story identifying the heart or essence of the story. The presenter explains what she would like advice about. During this part of the process the rest of the group listens without responding.
- (5-10 minutes) The group asks the presenter clarifying questions. These are questions about details of the story that may be unclear or about information that may be missing.
- (10-20 minutes) The group discusses the case story while the presenter listens without responding. Me purpose of the discussion is to frame and interpret the issues presented in the case and explore as many alternative approaches to the dilemma or decision as possible. The purpose should not be to find "the" best solution—instead the group should try to offer the presenter new ways to look at the situation. The following questions may help frame the discussion:
- What is the central issue?
- What are the factors contributing to the dilemma or influencing the decision?
- Which factors are within the main character's control? Which are not?
- What are the alternatives and the consequences for the main character?
- What larger issues for the school does this case raise?
- (5 minutes) The presenter comments on the group's discussion of the problem. The presenter should identify some of the useful ideas she heard and possibly consider some next steps.
- (5 minutes) The group and the presenter comments on the new learnings and the process.
Writing your case story
A case story is a short written account of a situation that the writer finds puzzling or troubling. Teachers can use case stories as a means to clarify and get input on problems or decisions they face. Sharing case stories in study group meetings gives the writer an opportunity to hear a variety of viewpoints on the issues the story raises. In addition, the case stories provide a subject for group discussion and inquiry into classroom practice.
Why write?
Why not just tell your story to the study group? There are several reasons. First, the process of writing about a situation that is puzzling or troublesome helps you get more clear about the nature of the problem you are describing. Just finding the right words to describe the situation involves a significant amount of reflection. Second, a written story gives you and the other study group members something concrete on which to base your discussion and refer your comments. Through your story, you can focus the group's attention on the things you most want input. and, finally, a written story allows the group to talk about the story itself, and the characters and events in it, rather than making comments directly to the writer. This last point may seem like a fine distinction, but it can make a big difference in the comfort level of the person getting input.
What should you write about?
The subject of your case story should be real events from your classroom. For example, your story could be about a specific class, about a particular aspect of a unit you taught, or about a student. Whatever you choose to write about should have personal meaning and should present you with a genuine dilemma or critical decision. This last part is important. By writing about an unresolved issue you face, you invite the rest of the group into meaningful dialogue. And you will probably find that many of your colleagues face similar dilemmas, as well.
How should you write the story?
Simply put, your case story should sound like a story. Be descriptive, use details to create the scene, try to capture the felling and flavor of the events, and bring the characters in the story to life. Try to make your story intriguing and thought provoking. Your story shouldn't explain the dilemma you face, but instead let the reader experience it. Keep in mind that you need to provide enough information through your description for the reader to really understand the problem. That said, have fun with it. You should be able to write your case in about an hour, and as for the length, one or two pages should be fine.