Fact / Problem / Solution
The case study method, developed at Harvard Business School over a century ago, is widely used in the teaching of medicine, business administration and law.
IFFD has applied the case-based learning methodology to the challenges of communication in couples and in bringing up children.
Application of the method
IFFD has applied the case-based learning methodology to the challenges of communication in couples and in bringing up children.
In each step of the application of the method, the focus is on :
Facts : events, statements or situations in the case study text. These are not interpretations, presumed or possible causes. They must be unanimously recognised and undisputed.
Problems : unresolved difficulties in the text. The facts tend to point to problems that are not always on the surface in the case. Specific problems in marital life, parenthood or extra-family relationships have root causes which need to be highlighted during discussion in team meetings and general sessions.
Solutions : solutions must be tangible, as practical as the facts from which they arise and must address a specific problem, ideally its root cause identified by the group.
In the context of IFFD courses, the method is applied as follows :
Each participant reads the case study.
The couple discusses the case together.
Each sub-group meets with the sub-group leaders (or a couple from the group) to discuss the case.
All the participants meet in a general session, moderated by experts, to go into the case one last time and exchange views and solutions with the other participants.
The systematic application of this method in everyday life has transformed the lives of more than 25,000 couples around the world.