Learning methodologies | IESE Business School

Learning methodologies

From the case method, to coaching and projects, to experiential learning and simulations, our teaching methodologies engage participants in dynamic discussions about real-life business challenges. On their own, with a peer or in teams, participants are invited to reflect on these challenges and extract insights to apply to their work.

The case method

The case method

The highly dynamic and hands-on case study method serves as one of our main learning methodologies. Faculty complement case studies with other learning methodologies, including lectures, action-based learning, simulations and coaching.

The case method asks students to put themselves in the shoes of the manager: How can I boost flagging sales? How can the company expand its revenue streams given its new competitive environment? What incentive policies might work in an industry with high turnover?

In contrast to lecture-based teaching methods, here students do most of the talking. Professors facilitate and guide the discussion, asking questions and eliciting participation from the entire class to enrich the discussion with contrasting viewpoints, different industry experiences and varied cultural backgrounds.

Action Learning

Action Learning

An approach to solving real problems that involves taking action and reflecting upon the results, which helps improve the problem-solving process, as well as the solutions developed by the team.

Action Learning
Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

Learning through experience in local contexts to create memorable learning experiences that, facilitated by our faculty, can drive development by sparking insights outside the classroom setting.

Experiential Learning
Simulations (or Business Games)

Simulations (or Business Games)

Fully interactive exercises that replicate real-life situations that may be faced in the business world.

Simulations (or Business Games)
Online Learning

Online Learning

A learning experience that can be accessed remotely, and consists of a directed learning process comprised of content and some way to measure achievement.

Online Learning
Coaching

Coaching

Work with a coach to increase self-awareness, improve performance and achieve explicit goals through a change in behavior.

Coaching
Mentoring

Mentoring

Sharing of knowledge and advice with another person who has experience different from one’s own.

Mentoring

Learning methodologies at IESE Business School