In the case method the person at the front of the room acts as a facilitator for the class discussion of the case. The facilitator keeps the discussion on-track and focused on the case. The students are expected to be active participants in the process, providing the review of the case facts and background, the analyses of the problems contained in the case, and making recommendations for action. The responsibilities of the facilitator and students for the effective use of case method study are summarized in Exhibit 2. The case discussion is not directed at the facilitator.
Participants present their comments and assessments to the entire group.
The lively interchange of ideas and opinions allows a much greater variety of interpretations of the case and its issues than would be possible in a directed discussion. It is not the facilitator's role to agree or disagree with, nor approve or disapprove of any of the comments made by the participants. It should be clear that the successful use of case study as a learning tool depends on the participation and preparation of everyone involved. The key tasks of the case student are to absorb the details of the case, consider the implications of the facts presented, and to apply a structured approach in the analysis and resolution of the problem or decision. This is often a source of frustration for students more familiar with directed exercises or structured problems.