Bringing case method teaching to high schools & colleges: U.S. History, Government, Civics & Democracy

 

About the Project 

Welcome to the Case Method Project at Harvard Business School!

The Case Method Project is an initiative formed to achieve two goals:

  1. Bring case method teaching to high schools and colleges
  2. Use this methodology to deepen students’ understanding of American democracy

Based on the highly successful experience of Harvard Business School and other graduate and professional programs that use case-based teaching, we believe the case method can be employed to strengthen high school and college education as well, ensuring a more exciting, relevant, and effective experience for students and teachers across a range of subjects. We also believe the case method can be especially effective at engaging students with topics in history and democracy and that it presents a unique opportunity to help reverse the broad decline in civic education – and civic engagement – in the United States.

Curriculum 

From the Constitutional Convention to Civil Rights and beyond, each of our 22 cases explores a key decision point in the history of American democracy.

For Current Partners 

Already working with the Case Method Project?

Connect to other educators in our network and download case materials via ShareVault.

For Prospective Partners 

Interested in learning more about the Case Method Project?

Find out how to bring the case method to your school.

Eleanor Cannon
Houston, TXEleanor Cannon
Houston, TX

Eleanor Cannon describes her students’ reactions to the case method.

Maureen O’Hern
Dorchester, MAMaureen O’Hern
Dorchester, MA

Maureen O’Hern describes how the case method transformed her classroom.

Michael Gordon
Munster, INMichael Gordon
Munster, IN

Michael Gordon describes why he would recommend the case method to other teachers.
“I have had few weeks in teaching that I enjoyed as much as doing this case....My biggest dilemma now is how many cases I want to fit into the year.”
Rhonda Feder
Teacher
Philadelphia, PA
Teacher Profiles
“I have had few weeks in teaching that I enjoyed as much as doing this case....My biggest dilemma now is how many cases I want to fit into the year.”
Rhonda Feder
Teacher
Philadelphia, PA
Teacher Profiles

In the News

A Better Way to Teach History

  • 8 Feb 2016
  • | 
  • The Atlantic
One professor is borrowing a method from Harvard Business School to engage students and inspire better decision-making skills.

Rewriting History

  • 2 Mar 2016
  • | 
  • HBS Alumni Bulletin
Can one HBS professor change how American history is taught in high schools?

All Hail Partisan Politics

  • 9 Feb 2017
  • | 
  • Harvard Gazette
David Moss spoke with the Gazette about the book and about a new initiative to bring his case studies into dozens of high school classrooms, where they're used as an . . . interactive teaching tool.

How to Teach Civics in School

  • 6 Jul 2017
  • | 
  • The Economist
Inspired by his years using the “case method" developed by Harvard Business School, David Moss has adapted the approach to the study of American democracy.