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By Christopher Pappas
October 19, 2018
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SCENARIO-BASED LEARNING

7 Elements Of A Successful Case Study

Case studies are usually dry, factual reports full of statistics and real-world applications.
Is it possible to turn them into exciting online training activities?

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7 Elements A Successful Case Study Must Possess

If you look at the case study section of a textbook, you are likely to doze off. They often
have dull situations described in legal terms. Each one will include the specific chapter of
a company policy that was violated, citing its page and number. While this is factually
accurate, it holds no relevance to corporate learners. If you really want effective case
studies, you have to use your imagination. It’s okay to add a little spice for the sake of
knowledge retention. Here are 7 characteristics of an effective case study.

1. Builds A Good Story

The reason we don’t enjoy case studies is due to their drab delivery. But just because
something is factual, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. The trick is to turn it into a
story. For example, imagine being told a man stole supplies and was fired. Now, consider
hearing the story another way. A warehouse employee rushes to the hospital after
receiving a call that his wife has been injured. He accidentally leaves on his lifting belt
and other safety gear. These are extenuating circumstances that shed new light on the
situation. Thus, creating a dilemma in corporate learners’ minds and evoking emotions.

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2. Involves Interesting Characters

The average case study omits names to protect privacy. So in the story above, you would
be told that an employee was immediately fired for violating company policy. The rules
clearly state that you must never remove branded material from the warehouse. If you
had read it like that, it would have no relevance or emotional impact. Simply by giving
the online training character a personality and backstory, corporate learners now
identify with him. If you want to protect the privacy of the person involved, engage in a
little creative non-fiction. In the above scenario, we still don’t know his name, or the
department where he works. Or we could present him as a chef or janitor instead of a
warehouse worker.

3. Uses Realistic Scenarios

Once again, think about the story above. It could happen to anyone. Case studies
sometimes veer towards the academic. They may express the above scenario formally.
For instance, “An employee was fired on the spot after he was found exiting the premises
with company property. The company pressed charges. Theft is against company
policy”. This seems unrealistic because nobody would blatantly steal. Corporate learners
will be left thinking the employee grabbed a computer or branded car. Giving the story
context enhances realism. The message sinks in deeper, and makes an emotional
connection. This is important because studies show we remember things better when
they are linked to a strong emotion.

4. Makes Corporate Learners Think Critically

Teaching young children is very different from teaching adults. As a kid, you may have
learned the basics. For example, stealing is bad and unethical. As an adult, you realize
there are nuances and grey zones. For example, in the instance of the warehouse worker
and company property, you want to create a dilemma. Was it okay for the man to be
fired? Does the context matter? Would you feel the same way if he was an accountant
instead of a warehouse worker?

5. Applies Knowledge Of The Online Training Course

Case studies shouldn’t just deliver facts. You could say, ‘Stealing company property will
lead to instant dismissal and criminal charges’. This is common sense, but it won’t stop an
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employee from ‘borrowing’ an office pen or stapler. Yet in reality, that’s something they
can be fired and prosecuted for. They need the ability to apply online training course
lessons.

In the examples we’ve used so far, the case study should test application. The employee
should know that carrying company items can get them fired or lead to legal
consequences. This applies to all case studies. Corporate learners should be encouraged
to absorb the online training material and translate it into everyday situations.

6. Actively Engages Corporate Learners

An effective case study gets corporate learners actively involved. They become invested
in the outcome. They don’t just read the facts and memorize the information. One option
is to offer the case study in chunks. Offer a little information that allows online learners
to draw a conclusion based on their current understanding. For example, use the
company policies they know to make a judgment. Then, give a little more information
that may or may not change their conclusion. Invite corporate learners to discuss their
conclusion in an online discussion or group chat. As you add little bits of data, they will
get more invested and engaged. They will also stretch their thought process to include
every new angle and see things from a fresh perspective.

7. Utilizes Branching Scenarios

As corporate learners receive more and more information, go beyond the facts to the
consequences. You could chart two paths, as I mentioned earlier. For example, scene A
involves a subordinate staffer who walked off with work-related tools while scenario B
features an accountant who embezzled funds to pay for his child’s education. Does
policy treat them the same way? Extend the case study into the consequences for both
staffers and how things play out. What happens if they admit their mistake? Is there any
way they can avoid the penalty? What would you do in that scenario, if you were the
employee in question?

Design the Best Learning Experience for your Learners with the Most Engaging
Branching Scenarios!
Discover, choose and compare the top eLearning Authoring Tools with Branching Scenarios
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FIND THE RIGHT VENDOR

Case studies are often considered dull and disengaging, but by making them emotive
and practical, you can turn them into powerful tools for online training. Don’t just state
dry facts. Weave them into a fascinating story with riveting characters. Just make
certain that it helps your corporate learners put things into context and immerse
themselves in realistic situations.

Another experience-building tool is relatable real world examples. Read the article 7 Tips
For Using Real World Examples In eLearning to discover tips to use real world examples
to connect with your audience and facilitate practical application.

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