Discussion of this decision case study can last from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the degree of preparation by the participants and the desired depth of the discussion. The outline below is one example of the way a facilitator might structure the discussion. In general, a decision case study discussion is a forum where participants talk to each other in addition to the facilitator. The format described here is useful when advanced preparation of the participants is not possible. If desired, the facilitator can include additional information on local crop production and social issues to enhance discussion and create a broader understanding of those topics.
- Introduction
- Facilitator introduces the case study and describes the goals and approach to be used
- Focus on a real situation
- Practice problem solving
- No single right answer – each person and situation is unique
- The decision case study
- Facilitator introduces the decision case study
- Participants read or reread the narrative of the decision case study
- Facilitator divides the participants into small groups of 2-4 people and asks them to discuss questions
- Participants return to large group and share key points of their discussion
- Facilitator guides a group discussion on the remaining questions
- Conclusion
- Group members may select a preferred option or facilitator may have participants write individually and describe their decision in response to the dilemma and the rational for the response
- Facilitator reveals the decision case study conclusion from the epilogue (optional)
- Closing comments
Acknowledgments
This project was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Organic Transitions Program under award number 2013-51106-21005.
This project was also supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic Program under the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) in the Midwest region.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.