ABSTRACT
Within the past 30 years, case study as a mode of inquiry has gained increased credibility in English language arts research. A scan of the literature reveals hundreds of inquiries in which researchers recount how children acquire and develop language, as well as hundreds of others that characterize their histories and processes as speakers, listeners, writers, and readers. Still other studies have examined individual issues, texts, concepts, programs, and curricula. This chapter provides an overview of case study inquiry, the history of case study research, the use of case studies in literacy research, and concludes with a discussion of trends and future directions.
