We may forget facts and figures, but we are less likely to forget an individual’s story. Therefore, stories and case studies are useful tools to aid participants in achieving their desired learning objectives. Case studies allow participants to explore their own reactions and attitudes to a particular situation, while increasing problem solving skills and identifying specific support services.
The following section has been adapted from the Hepatitis Council of Queensland Box Project Workshop manual (2003).
Working with the hepatitis C case studies
- First decide on the case study and make enough copies to hand out to each of the small groups.
- Allocate 10 minutes to each group and explain that one person should read the case study out loud to the other members of the group and analyse the situation, identify any problems/barriers and work out how they best deal with and respond to the situation.
- Supply the participants with a large piece of paper to write their responses and inform them that they will then present their ideas to the group informally at the end of the discussion.
- Encourage participants to reflect on specific areas such as problems/barriers identified, client issues, organisational issues and action to be taken in the short term and long term.
- Participants may have no experience working in the areas you have assigned them. Try to allocate case studies that are relevant to their work area.
- While groups are discussing options walk from group to group offering suggestions and triggering further discussions.