Applying Case-Method Instruction in a Pedagogy Class

Langley, David J., Senne, Terry, Rikard, G. Linda, JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance

The case-method experience lets students examine the decision-making process from a teacher's perspective and later apply this knowledge in practicum and field experiences.

In a recent JOPERD issue, Boyce (1992) outlined the case method as a promising technique to develop problem-solving skills in preservice physical education teachers. In Boyce's approach, a real-life incident from the public schools is presented to preservice teachers in a narrative format and focuses on a problem that requires resolution through active decision making. The course teacher uses a question outline to facilitate the problem-solving process. The class analyzes the situation, presents alternative solutions, and evaluates those alternatives. One goal of this experience is to enable students to examine the decision-making process from a teacher's perspective and to eventually apply this knowledge in practicum and field experiences.

This article describes how the case-method approach was applied in a sophomore level pedagogy class. First, we summarize the sample case, "The Chair." (See Boyce, August 1992, p. 19 for a complete description). Second, we describe the context in which the lesson occurred and examine how the problem-solving process evolved in three different groups of students. Third, we describe the results of written follow-up questions completed by students. The use of follow-up questions adds an extension to the case-method approach presented by Boyce (1992). Finally, we suggest that the number of students in class and the time devoted to problem solving are key considerations underlying the dynamics of the case-method approach.

A Summary of "The Chair"

Ms Allen was a first-year teacher and one of four physical educators at her middle school. Overall, the first year had gone smoothly, even though she was the only teacher who really "taught" physical education. Today's class met on the outdoor fields, and as usual Ms Allen followed the last group of seventh graders as they hurried out of the gymnasium. When she arrived at the fields, she noticed her class gathered around two students, Tom and Jerry, who were dismantling Coach Bowen's chair. The boys looked up and quickly realized that they had been caught in the act by Ms Allen. As the students broke up and got into their squads, Ms Allen called both boys over and briefly …

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Publication information: Article title: Applying Case-Method Instruction in a Pedagogy Class. Contributors: Langley, David J. - Author, Senne, Terry - Author, Rikard, G. Linda - Author. Journal title: JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. Volume: 64. Issue: 8 Publication date: October 1993. Page number: 61+. © 2009 American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). COPYRIGHT 1993 Gale Group.

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