Definition
Case studies and scenarios present students with real or simulated situations that require them to apply what they know to solve problems or make decisions.
Students engage in a process where they:
- analyse situations to identify challenges
- adapt and apply their understanding, rather than simply recalling facts
- engage with diverse perspectives, including cultural or ethical considerations
- make and test assumptions, explore alternatives and justify their decisions.
Design considerations
When designing case study and scenario assessment, use the identified formative focus to consider:
- what context or situation will be authentic, relevant and appropriate for students
- how the scenario will challenge students to apply and adapt their knowledge, skills or understanding rather than simply recall them
- what specific student actions, decisions or explanations will provide the learning evidence needed.
For you and your students, consider:
- whether the level of complexity is appropriate for the students’ stage of learning and practical within a lesson
- what scaffolds (for example, worked examples, reading supports or procedural prompts) will clarify your expectations and ensure all students can access and respond to the task
- what digital tools could enhance assessment design, delivery or analysis.
Aim
Case studies and scenarios help assess students’ ability to:
- explain their thinking or connect ideas
- plan, choose, use or adjust strategies when they solve problems or respond to challenges
- apply their learning in different ways or in new situations.
Timing
Case studies and scenarios are helpful:
- during the lesson to check student learning and guide teacher response in real time
- after learning when time between lessons is needed to analyse evidence and decide whether to revisit or move forward.
Evidence
Students demonstrate their learning through practical demonstrations, or by constructing short or extended responses.
In the classroom
These examples show how case study and scenario assessment can provide evidence of students’ reasoning, decision-making, and ability to engage with diverse perspectives.
- Ethical dilemma tasks: students weigh values, examine perspectives, and justify reasoning in complex situations.
- Multimedia cases: students analyse information in multimedia (for example, videos, images and data sets) to identify implications, and propose actions.
- Problem-solution briefs: students evaluate options, explore possibilities, and communicate well-reasoned solutions.
- Real-world issue analysis: students interpret evidence, compare perspectives, and explain their reasoning.
- Role-plays or simulations: through defined roles, students explore alternative outcomes, consider viewpoints, and justify decisions.
