The Structures and Patterns of Case Method Talk: What Our Students Taught Us

The authors explore case method instruction as it occurred in a graduate literacy course. Data were collected using audiotapes of case discussions, students' written reflections, interviews, questionnaires, and field notes. The interaction of a set of discussion structures (e.g., Humor, Consultation, Negotiation, Summarization) enabled the teachers to think about and to interpret the incidents in the cases. The case discussions seemed to scaffold efforts at instructional change by providing a context for reflection on issues of practice before having to confront one's own practice. The authors reflect upon their role as a participant who helps to identify, clarify, and inquire into issues in a case.