Putting the Case for the Case Study

This paper sets out to review the on-going case study debate. We do not aim to enter the qualitative/quantitative discussion, nor do we suggest that the case study is the ultimate or only form of research. We suggest that case studies should be used in conjunction with other forms of research. What is important is that the techniques selected are appropriate for any proposed research undertaking so that quantitative and qualitative strategies can meaningfully co-exist within the same research project.

We do, however, suggest that in certain sectors the case study approach is misunderstood and under-utilized. The focus of the paper is an objective discussion of a number of issues which have been raised about the case study strategy. The discussion does not assume that there is ‘one type’ of case study, rather it refers to the multitude of case study approaches which can be classified under the case study label.

In addition to a review of the case study debate and some research strategies associated with the approach, the paper discusses a number of pertinent issues which continue to generate much debate. The issues of procedure, a multi-method strategy, objectivity, generalizability and presentation are reviewed in relation to case study research.

The case study approach has weaknesses, and its share of critics, but has become an established and respected form of research. Issues involved in case study research still need to be considered as it becomes more accepted as a viable and insightful form of research.     

Creating Inclusive,Literacy-Embedded Play Centers in a Children's Museum: Connecting Theory to Practice

Preservice teachers enrolled in an early literacy or developmental preschool course collaborated in order to create inclusive, literacy-embedded play centers at a local children's museum. Using a grounded theory approach, theoretical questions were generated after analyzing multiple data sources. The focus of this paper is how preservice teachers connected theory to practice in an authentic setting. The importance of connecting theory to practice, the place of play in assessment, and the viability of children's museums as alternative field placements are discussed. Implications for preservice teacher education are presented.     

An Empirical Investigation Demonstrating the Multidimensional DIF Paradigm: A Cognitive Explanation for DIF

Differential Item Functioning (DIF) is traditionally used to identify different item performance patterns between intact groups, most commonly involving race or sex comparisons. This study advocates expanding the utility of DIF as a step in construct validation. Rather than grouping examinees based on cultural differences, the reference and focal groups are chosen from two extremes along a distinct cognitive dimension that is hypothesized to supplement the dominant latent trait being measured. Specifically, this study investigates DIF between proficient and non-proficient fourth- and seventh-grade writers on open-ended mathematics test items that require students to communicate about mathematics. It is suggested that the occurrence of DIF in this situation actually enhances, rather than detracts from, the construct validity of the test because, according to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), mathematical communication is an important component of mathematical ability, the dominant construct being assessed. However, the presence of DIF influences the validity of inferences that can be made from test scores and suggests that two scores should be reported, one for general mathematical ability and one for mathematical communication. The fact that currently only one test score is reported, a simple composite of scores on multiple-choice and open-ended items, may lead to incorrect decisions being made about examinees.     

Introducing Group‐Based Asynchronous Learning to Business Education. Reflections on Effective Course Design and Delivery

This paper explores the contribution of virtual tools to student learning within full‐time management programmes. More specifically, the paper focuses on asynchronous communication tools, considering the scope they offer for group‐based collaborative learning outside the classroom. We report on the effectiveness of this approach for an economics course on International Money and Finance, which was delivered to two classes, following international MBA and MSc programmes, respectively, at Nyenrode University. Using questionnaire and interview data, we compare the learning experiences of both classes. Our analysis focuses on student reception of the asynchronous communication tools and the learner‐centred approach. Based on these findings, we propose a framework of pedagogical actions that may help to maximize the potential of e‐learning within hybrid course designs, particularly for novice users.

Introduction d'une formation non‐synchronique de groupe à une formation de business. Réflexions sur un projet et une diffusion de cours effectifs. Cet exposé décrit la contribution d'instruments virtuels pour la formation d'étudiants dans un programme business à temps plein. Plus spécialement, cet exposé se réfère aux instruments de communication non‐synchronique considérant le domaine qu'ils offrent pour la formation collaborative en groupe en dehors de la salle de classe. Nous parlons de l'efficacité de cet approche pour un cours d'économie sur les Sciences Monétaires et de Finance Internationales qui a été distribué à deux classes suivant des programmes internationaux de MBA et MSc à l'université de Nyenrode. En utilisant des questionnaires et des dates d'interview, nous avons comparé les expériences de formation dans les deux classes. Notre analyse s'occupe de la réceptivité des étudiants concernant les instruments de communication non‐synchroniques et l'approche basé sur la formation. Basés sur ces résultats, nous proposons une structure d'actions pédagogiques qui peuvent aider à augmenter le potentiel de la formation en ligne dans le cadre de projets de cours hybrides, spécialement pour des utiliseurs novices.

Einführung von gruppenbasiertem, asynchronem Lernen in Business‐Bildung. Reflektionen über effektive Kurskonzepte und –vermittlung. Dieser Bericht untersucht den Beitrag von virtuellen Instrumenten für studentisches Lernen innerhalb von Vollzeit‐Management Programmen. Er untersucht im Speziellen die asynchronen Kommunikationsmittel unter Beachtung der Möglichkeiten, die sie für ein gemeinschaftliches Lernen in Gruppen außerhalb des Klassenzimmers bieten. Wir berichten über die Wirksamkeit dieses Ansatzes, der an zwei Klassen eines Wirtschaftskurses über Internationales Geld- und Finanzwesen, die internationale MBA und MSc Kurse an der Nyenrode Universität belegen, verteilt wurde. Unter Verwendung von Fragebögen und Interviewdaten vergleichen wir die Lernerfahrungen beider Klassen. Unsere Analyse konzentriert sich auf die Aufnahmefähigkeit der Studenten bezüglich der asynchronen Kommunikationsmittel und des lernbasierten Ansatzes. Unter Berücksichtigung dieser Ergebnisse empfehlen wir einen pädagogischen Handlungsrahmen, der vielleicht das Potential des e‐Lernens innerhalb von hybriden Kursentwürfen, insbesondere für neue Nutzer, erhöhen kann.     

Introduction−justifying a cross-cultural comparative approach to school leadership and management

England's Education Action Zones are a flagship New Labour policy geared towards raising standards and reducing social exclusion in areas of educational under-performance. This introduction outlines key features of the policy, considers its broader significance in relation to new models of educational governance and pulls out some of the key issues that arise from the contributions to this special feature.     

The impact of curriculum change on health sciences first year students’ approaches to learning

This study aimed to use a learning inventory (the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students, ASSIST) to measure the impact of a curriculum change on students’ approaches to learning in two large courses in a health sciences first year programme. The two new Human Body Systems (HUBS) courses were designed to encourage students to take a deep approach to learning. ASSIST was completed by 599 students enrolled in a biology class in 2006 that was part of the old curriculum, and by 705 students at the beginning and end of the new HUBS courses in 2007. Changes in students’ approaches to learning over time were examined. The ASSIST scores for both HUBS courses reflected the dominance of a surface approach, followed by a strategic and then a deep approach. However, by the end of the year, students were taking a deep and strategic approach to their studies to a greater extent, and a surface approach to a lesser extent. Moreover, students enrolled in the new course adopted a deep approach to their studies to a significantly greater degree than those studying the old curriculum. Despite the predominance of a surface approach, the results suggest that it is possible to bring about small but significant positive changes in students’ learning behaviour in a very large class through curriculum change. The proportion of students preferring a surface approach, and results showing that high performance on the final exam was significantly correlated with a surface approach, probably reflected contextual factors, including assessment, and is the focus of ongoing curriculum development.     

Rapid Feedback Assessment Methods: Can We Improve Engagement and Preparation for Exams in Large-enrollment Courses?

Scratch-off immediate feedback assessment technique (IF-AT) forms and classroom response systems (clickers) can increase student engagement and interaction and help students prepare for exams by indicating the type and level of questions they will encounter. We used the IF-AT throughout the semester in three sections of a lower-division biology class; in two, students worked on IF-AT questions in small permanent groups, and in one, students alternated between IF-AT and clickers each week. At the end of the semester, students answered surveys about instant feedback techniques. Students appreciated prompt feedback on their understanding of course material, enjoyed the group interaction and opportunities to learn from each other, and continued to have positive perceptions of instant feedback activities and to take them seriously throughout the semester. While appreciating the versatility of clicker questions, we find that the ease of use, low cost, effectiveness, and improved classroom climate of the IF-AT method are particularly commendable.     

A study of the difficulties of care and support in new university teachers’ work

This paper discusses some findings from a small‐scale qualitative study involving ‘new’ teachers in a medium sized, regional English university. Using Grounded Theory methods to inform and guide the research, the study explores participants’ views on working as both teachers and researchers whilst also managing considerable amounts of ‘caring work’ with a diverse body of students who often need academic and pastoral support in excess of that assumed within the university academic timetables or support networks. The voices of these teachers suggest that care is an overlooked aspect of university teachers’ work, yet it plays an important part in maintaining their and their students’ sense of scholarly endeavour. Further, our findings suggest that within the university at large there is a ‘discourse of difference’ in the way that many academics conceptualize and represent the student body and students’ needs to be supported. This discourse impacts on the development of new teachers’ identities and aspirations. Some implications of these findings for implementing strategies for supporting teachers to develop both academic and pastoral roles within universities are discussed.     

Concerned Technology

Abstract

In May 1988 UNESCO set up a Regional Seminar ‐‐ ‘New Technologies for Handicapped in Special Education’ ‐‐at the Wenner‐Gren Centre at Sveavagen in Stockholm, Sweden. This short paper reflects initial draft statements on the conference and is included here to identify the extent of common apprehensions and expectations. It covers the areas of information services, studies and research activities, international co‐operation through staff exchanges and conference activities, and looks briefly at future trends.     

International fieldschool reciprocity: using a whole-of-university approach to create positive change in Northern Uganda

ABSTRACT

International fieldschools to developing countries have become an important component of the university curriculum because they provide experiential learning and research skills, while also contributing a range of soft skills such as resilience, empathy, resourcefulness, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication. Yet, with the increasing popularity of ‘developing world’ fieldschools, an ever-more pertinent question to ask is, cui bono? Who benefits when relatively ‘privileged’ students from wealthy countries travel to visit ‘underprivileged’ communities in poorer parts of the world? In this article, we contribute to the discussion about fieldschool reciprocity using data from a newly established program in Northern Uganda, established as part of the University of New South Wales’ UNSW2025 strategy. We show that a whole-of-university approach has significant benefits for staff and students from both institutions, more diffuse benefits for the wider Ugandan host community, as well as the potential to create synergies to leverage community transformation. We also look at challenges that include: power differentials, uncertainty in the field environment, sustainability, and the ability to maintain collaborative equity between institutions over the long term.