Avoiding a Bogey: Grading Case Discussions Scientifically

Abstract

Cases have been established as important pedagogical tools. The level and quality of students’ case discussion is a major objective of the case method, and discussion also provides, frequently, a major measure of student learning. However, little research has been done on appropriate measures of student participation despite the fact that some instructors are uneasy in their evaluation of student-case discussion. This paper proposes a classroom proven approach to methodically capturing data about on-going student participation, and then using the data to enhance further student discussion.