Conceptualizing “classroom teaching-learning process” that engages students in Indian business school

Abstract

PurposeCase-based classroom teaching-learning process (hereafter, case method) has provided a very productive teaching-learning environment for a long time. In the case method, students are expected to meet some prerequisites, such as reading and analyzing the case in advance, listening to the classroom discussion and actively participating in the discussion. However, it is frequently reported in Indian business schools that students do not prepare the assigned case before the scheduled class. The under-preparation of cases results in low-quality discussion, high absenteeism, passive attitude and lack of energy.Design/methodology/approachThis study modeled the case method using an IGEO (input-guide-enablers-output, commonly used in any process modeling) framework to identify challenges in the case-based classroom teaching-learning process. A novel customized classroom teaching-learning process called the EPDE (explain, practice, discuss, explore) method replaced the case method. These two teaching-learning processes were used for teaching two groups of MBA students.FindingsThe novel EPDE method effectively addressed the case method challenges. It resulted in better learning outcomes in the Indian B-school context.Originality/valueThe purpose of the study is to examine the impact of an alternative to the traditional case study method in a college classroom among MBA students. Two points make this study original and unique: (1) The IGOE process modeling framework is used to model teaching-learning processes, such as the case and EPDE methods. Using IGOE for teaching-learning processes is unique and is not available in the literature and (2) the EPDE method is a novel concept.