The Problems of Motivating Students and Clients in Live-Case Projects

Abstract

The live-case method offers great potential for both a teaching tool for instructors and a learning tool for students. However, the method itself, does not guarantee that students will be motivated to learn or that outside organizations will be willing to participate. Incentives must be provided to both parties to obtain and maintain their interest in the live-case program. Students can be motivated by group selection of the area of study, achievement of recognized steps in their projects and the use of peer evaluation instruments to ensure an equitable distribution of the work load amongst group participants. Clients can be involved and motivated by the use of client briefs, student proposals, project status reports and charging clients a fee for participation.