Case Studies Jessica Hodgson Linelle Barnhill Erin Maddock

What are Case Studies? Different points of view on a controversy or subject of interest. A good case study should illustrate some principle or concept. Teaches students to make good decisions with the facts that they find.

What is Oral History? The recollections and reminiscences of living persons about their pasts. A historical inquiry that is undertaken by interviewing everyday individuals about the events they have personally experienced. The documenting of oral stories of families and cultural groups.

Locating Oral Histories Library Internet State Archives Personal interviews Family documents Universities

Conducting Oral History - Primary Grades Child brings in favorite object from home that represents their family. Create a class museum with students’ artifacts.

Conducting Oral History - Intermediate Grades Doesn’t apply to standards although it is developmentally appropriate. They would focus on other aspects of case studies. Internet research.

Law related Education (mock trials and case studies) Primary - Give example of an isolated incident and have a class discussion about different ways to solve problem with reasons and explanations to back up their ideas. Students vote on best ideas. Intermediate - Class discussion of problems or challenges that they foresee they might have during cooperative learning. Based on those challenges, students read a basic case study article on cooperative learning. Do guided research.

Technology Support Easy access to internet resources. Students have access to anywhere in the world.

Strengths and Limitations Shows students that there is always more than one point of view on a topic. Introduces ideas of law. Encourages cooperative learning. Critical thinking. Oral history strengthens listening skills. Case studies strengthens their research skills. Minds-on/Hands-on Activity Oral history is not always available especially for intermediate curriculum. Sensitivity to multicultural issues. Validity of resources. A lot of teacher research - -time consuming, but worth it :o)