This book advocates the use of case methods to promote democratic teaching and learning. Part I speaks directly to teacher educators. The chapters in this part suggest how and why they might use case methods at pre- and in-service levels. Part II presents a set of cases and teaching notes designed to stimulate active consideration of democratic teaching and learning in elementary and secondary schools throughout the United States. These cases can be used with both prospective and practicing teachers.

Case methods in education--like those used to prepare practitioners in other professions such as medicine, law, and business--require learners to attend to detail and to exercise judgment as they identify and solve problems. Although each has its own unique variations, case-method approaches in all fields promote careful examination of professional practice. The cases in this book will help teacher educators think anew about many issues related to teaching and learning with cases.