Case Study Analysis and Problem-Solving
Students analyze real-world extreme weather events and develop comprehensive solutions using critical thinking and problem-solving methodologies
Case Study Method
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Learning Objectives
Analyze complex real-world extreme weather scenarios
Identify multiple factors contributing to weather-related problems
Develop creative and practical solutions to complex challenges
Evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of proposed solutions
Apply systems thinking to understand interconnected impacts
Activity Details
Duration:4-5 class periods (45 minutes each)
Group Size:4-5 students per case study team
Difficulty:
Subject Integration:Science, Mathematics, Economics, Technology
Case Study Options
Real-world scenarios for in-depth analysis
Case 1: Hurricane Maria in Dominica (2017)
Category 5 hurricane devastation and recovery challenges
- • Complete infrastructure destruction
- • Economic collapse and recovery
- • Climate resilience rebuilding
- • International aid coordination
Case 2: Caribbean Drought Crisis (2014-2016)
Multi-year drought affecting multiple islands
- • Water scarcity and rationing
- • Agricultural losses
- • Tourism industry impacts
- • Regional cooperation responses
Case 3: Flooding in Trinidad and Tobago (2018)
Urban flooding and infrastructure challenges
- • Drainage system failures
- • Urban planning issues
- • Emergency response coordination
- • Community resilience building
Case 4: Heat Wave in Jamaica (2019)
Extreme temperatures and health impacts
- • Public health emergencies
- • Energy grid strain
- • Agricultural stress
- • Vulnerable population protection
Case 5: Sargassum Seaweed Crisis (2018-2020)
Massive seaweed influx affecting multiple sectors
- • Tourism industry disruption
- • Coastal ecosystem impacts
- • Cleanup and disposal challenges
- • Economic adaptation strategies
Case 6: Volcanic Ash from La Soufrière (2021)
Volcanic eruption impacts across the region
- • Air quality and health concerns
- • Aviation disruptions
- • Agricultural contamination
- • Regional coordination responses
Materials Needed
Research Materials:
- • Detailed case study packets
- • News articles and media reports
- • Government and NGO reports
- • Scientific data and weather records
- • Economic impact assessments
Analysis Tools:
- • Problem analysis frameworks
- • Solution development templates
- • Evaluation criteria matrices
- • Presentation materials
- • Computers/tablets for research
Activity Procedure
Systematic approach to case study analysis and problem-solving
Phase 1: Case Study Introduction and Team Formation (Day 1)
Method Introduction (15 minutes)
- • Explain case study methodology and its importance
- • Introduce problem-solving frameworks
- • Discuss systems thinking and interconnected impacts
- • Set expectations for analysis depth and creativity
Case Assignment and Initial Reading (25 minutes)
- • Form teams of 4-5 students
- • Assign or allow teams to choose case studies
- • Distribute comprehensive case study packets
- • Begin initial reading and note-taking
Analysis Framework Introduction (5 minutes)
- • Introduce the 5-step analysis process
- • Distribute analysis templates and guides
Phase 2: Deep Analysis and Problem Identification (Day 2)
Step 1: Situation Analysis (15 minutes)
- • Identify key facts and timeline of events
- • Map stakeholders and affected populations
- • Analyze geographic and climatic factors
- • Document immediate and long-term impacts
Step 2: Problem Identification (15 minutes)
- • Identify primary and secondary problems
- • Analyze root causes and contributing factors
- • Examine interconnections between problems
- • Prioritize problems by severity and urgency
Step 3: Stakeholder Impact Analysis (15 minutes)
- • Analyze impacts on different groups and sectors
- • Consider economic, social, and environmental effects
- • Identify vulnerable populations and special needs
- • Examine regional and international implications
Phase 3: Solution Development (Day 3)
Step 4: Solution Brainstorming (20 minutes)
- • Generate multiple solution options for each problem
- • Consider short-term emergency and long-term solutions
- • Include prevention, mitigation, and adaptation strategies
- • Think creatively about innovative approaches
Solution Evaluation and Selection (20 minutes)
- • Evaluate solutions using criteria matrix
- • Consider feasibility, cost, effectiveness, and sustainability
- • Analyze potential unintended consequences
- • Select best combination of solutions
Implementation Planning (5 minutes)
- • Develop timeline and resource requirements
- • Identify key stakeholders and their roles
Phase 4: Presentation Preparation and Delivery (Days 4-5)
Presentation Development (Day 4 - 35 minutes)
- • Create comprehensive presentation of analysis and solutions
- • Include visual aids, maps, charts, and graphics
- • Prepare to defend solution choices with evidence
- • Practice presentation timing and delivery
Case Study Presentations (Day 5 - 35 minutes)
- • Each team presents their case analysis (6-7 minutes)
- • Include Q&A session for peer questions
- • Compare solutions across different case studies
- • Identify common themes and best practices
Synthesis and Reflection (Day 5 - 10 minutes)
- • Discuss lessons learned across all cases
- • Identify transferable solutions and strategies
- • Reflect on the case study analysis process
Assessment Criteria
Analysis Quality (30%)
- • Thorough understanding of case facts
- • Accurate identification of problems and causes
- • Comprehensive stakeholder impact analysis
Solution Development (30%)
- • Creative and practical solution options
- • Logical evaluation and selection process
- • Feasible implementation planning
Critical Thinking (20%)
- • Systems thinking and interconnection analysis
- • Evidence-based reasoning
- • Consideration of multiple perspectives
Presentation and Communication (20%)
- • Clear and organized presentation
- • Effective use of visual aids
- • Professional delivery and teamwork
Extension Activities
Advanced Analysis
- • Compare solutions across multiple similar cases
- • Conduct cost-benefit analysis of proposed solutions
- • Research implementation outcomes of real solutions
- • Analyze policy implications and recommendations
Simulation and Modeling
- • Create disaster response simulations
- • Model economic impacts of different scenarios
- • Design early warning system prototypes
- • Develop community resilience assessments
Real-World Application
- • Present findings to local emergency managers
- • Develop community preparedness materials
- • Create policy briefs for government officials
- • Design public awareness campaigns
Problem-Solving Framework
Systematic approach for analyzing complex scenarios
1
Situation Analysis
Gather facts, identify stakeholders, map impacts
2
Problem Identification
Define core problems, analyze causes, prioritize issues
3
Impact Assessment
Evaluate effects on different groups and sectors
4
Solution Development
Generate options, evaluate alternatives, select best approaches
5
Implementation Planning
Design action plans, allocate resources, monitor progress
Caribbean Context and Regional Relevance
Regional Challenges and Opportunities
Emphasize Caribbean-specific factors in case analysis:
- • Small island developing state vulnerabilities
- • Limited resources and infrastructure constraints
- • Regional cooperation mechanisms and benefits
- • Tourism-dependent economies and resilience needs
- • Climate change adaptation imperatives
Success Stories and Best Practices
- • Highlight successful regional responses and innovations
- • Examine traditional knowledge integration with modern solutions
- • Study community-based adaptation strategies
- • Analyze effective international cooperation examples
Future-Oriented Thinking
- • Consider climate change projections and adaptation needs
- • Explore emerging technologies and their applications
- • Examine sustainable development goals alignment
- • Discuss youth leadership in climate resilience