Writing guidelines + requirements

What makes a strong submission?

Kellogg Teaching Resources publishes a range of materials, including case studies, role-playing exercises and simulations designed to support engaging experiential learning. Our materials allow students to apply theoretical frameworks in a practical context, and to engage in critical thinking, actively analyze situations and make decisions, all in the context of interactive classroom experiences. 

Start with clear learning objectives 

Effective teaching materials begin with a well-defined purpose. Consider what you want students to learn or practice, whether it is applying a conceptual framework, developing a specific skill or analyzing a complex situation. Strong submissions are anchored in clear, actionable learning objectives. 

Focus on a clear task, decision or experience 

Your material should give students a meaningful assignment, whether that involves making a decision, analyzing a situation or participating in an interactive exercise. 

Depending on the format, this may include the following: 

• Central decision or problem to resolve  
• Structured analytical task or set of questions 
• Assigned roles with specific objectives, perspectives or constraints (e.g., in a negotiation or simulation)   

Define clearly what students are expected to do and how they should engage with the material. Strong submissions provide enough direction to guide the experience while leaving room for discussion, interpretation and discovery. 

Provide sufficient context 

Students need enough background to understand the situation and engage with the material. This may include the following: 

• Organizational and individual background  
• Industry and competitor context  
• Business issues and challenges central to the problem at hand  

The goal is to provide enough detail to support analysis while still obscuring enough to provide a challenge for students to solve. 

Design for classroom use 

All materials should be developed with the classroom experience in mind. Consider the following: 

• Intended audience (e.g., MBA, Executive Education, undergraduate)  
• How the material will be used within a class session  
• Whether it encourages discussion, interaction or active problem-solving  

Well-designed materials are engaging, accessible and adaptable to different teaching styles. 

Submission requirements

Submissions must include completed drafts of all student materials as well as a teaching note. We also require that materials be tested in a classroom, workshop or other live setting.

What to include in teaching notes

A strong teaching note is essential to the usability of your material. Teaching notes should provide instructors with the guidance needed to teach the case or exercise effectively.  

All teaching notes should include the following: 

• Synopsis of the case or exercise 
• Learning objectives 
• Target audience 
• Assignment or discussion questions 
• Case or exercise analysis 
• Concluding remarks and reflections 

Role-playing exercises and simulations should also include the following: 

• Guidance on class flow, timing and other logistics (e.g., how long it takes to read and prepare; if preparation takes place in or out of class; number of students in each role; if prep time with teammates is needed; how long the exercise lasts; how long the debrief lasts)