Making Case Studies Work in Sport Management Education: A Professor's Guide
Have you ever wondered how to make your sport management classes more engaging and practical? The third NASSM Conversations seminar, held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, featured guest panelists Drs. Jess Dixon and Nola Agha discussed exactly that. Together, they presented game-changing insights about using case studies in the classroom that could benefit seasoned professors or those just starting their teaching journeys. They also highlighted how these approaches can transform how students learn and apply knowledge.
Understanding Different Flavors of Case Studies
For anyone who has ever worked with case studies, you know that not all case studies are created equal! There are three distinct types, each serving a different purpose:
Research case studies are the academic heavyweights, focusing on sharing knowledge about specific events or issues. Think of them as the scholarly articles of the case study world.
Business case studies showcase real-world best practices and solutions. They're like getting a peek behind the curtain of successful organizations.
Teaching case studies—now, these are the real MVPs for classroom use. They present real-world situations that require decision-making and problem-solving. It's like giving your students a simulator for sports management challenges!
Fun fact: Case studies were first used in law and medicine schools. In sport management, we can thank Dr. Earl Ziegler for championing their use back in the 1950s. He saw their value in teaching human relations and administration.
Running an Effective Case Discussion
Want to know the secret to a great case discussion? It's all in the prep work and facilitation. Here's what works:
Decide the discussion style upfront: Will your discussion be a debate or more of an open forum? Sometimes, the seating arrangement alone can make a huge difference.
Mix it up: Try assigning students specific viewpoints or asking them to argue the opposite of what they believe. This is beneficial for developing critical thinking skills.
Be prepared for and welcome some detours: The best discussions often take unexpected turns. Have some strategic questions ready to guide the conversation back on track.
Pro tip: For those quieter students (we all have them), try using visual aids or written contributions. It's incredible how many great ideas come out when we give students different ways to participate.
Crafting Meaningful Assignments
The key to using case studies effectively in the classroom is to create a mix of activities that happen before, during, and after class. Here's a winning formula:
Pre-class: Have students read the case and maybe draft a quick press release or analysis. This will get their mental gears turning early and get them in the mindset of being agile.
In-class: This is where the magic happens! Debates, budget planning, small group work – the possibilities are endless. Couse size and structure can determine a lot of what you are able to do, but tap into as many resources as possible to create a fun and meaningful discussion.
Post-class: Let students integrate feedback and revisit their decisions. It's like giving them a chance to put everything they've learned into practice.
The AI Elephant in the Room
Let's talk about what is on everyone’s mind—AI tools like ChatGPT. Yes, they're changing the game, but not necessarily in a bad way. Instead of fighting it, some clever approaches to using them in the classroom have emerged:
Use AI as a critique tool rather than a solution provider
Focus more on real-time, in-class evaluations where students have to think on their feet
Embrace AI as a springboard for deeper discussions and critical thinking
The Bottom Line
Case studies in sport management education are more than just stories—they're powerful tools for bridging the gap between theory and practice. When used effectively, they create engaging, practical learning experiences that prepare students for real-world challenges.
Remember, the goal isn't just to teach students about sports management—it's to help them think like sports management professionals. Well-designed case studies do exactly that.
What case study strategies have worked in your classroom? We'd love to hear your experiences in the comments below!