VETENTRE_IO1_Toolkit_FV

Finally, a case study worth mentioning is the estimation question. It usually consists of only one question sentence: e.g. How many piano tuners are there in Germany? The following competencies can be observed and trained: 1. Dealing with ambiguity, and risk 2. Trust in one's own solution competence 3. Courage to gap 4. Reasoning The estimation question can also be solved in the classroom in individual or group work; the solutions can be in competition. In addition to achieving good approximation values, it is important to argue for the solution. How teachers can use case studies to teach entrepreneurial skills Vocational training is not just about generating new entrepreneurs from learners who set up a business after school. Entrepreneurial thinking also means understanding the problems and thought processes of a future employer and thus supporting them or possibly bringing in their own solutions. That is why it makes sense to use case studies dealing with business decisions such as the takeover of another company, introducing a new product, or closing a plant. What needs to be considered Learners often come with the following statements: "I did not know this framework, this information was missing, so I could not solve the case study." Learners can define framework conditions themselves that are not explicitly stated in the text. However, these must be presented credibly and must not exceed a certain level. For example, not: "Manager XY married a rich heiress, and thus all financial problems were solved.” It may be helpful at the beginning to explain to learners which skills are promoted and challenged by the case study. An example would be “It is important to show how to deal with limited resources and make decisions based on given circumstances and missing information”. You do not always have to buy case studies for lessons. You can also write them yourself. Excellent sources for this are experiences from your own environment, scientific case studies from the Internet or stories that companies tell about themselves and their products. And besides that, the learners can write the case study themselves, along with the content you give. A case study can also be part of an exam. Useful/Practical Tip: Explain to your learners in advance that there is not one possible solution to the case study but that learners should argue well for their solution.