A teaching note on the use of the Classroom-as-Organization approach in a Sports Event Management course

The pedagogical approach known as the Classroom as Organization (CAO) embodies an
experiential learning methodology wherein students actively participate in an organizational
structure within a classroom setting. Cohen (1976) , a seminal figure in the development of CAO
methodology, explains the primary objective as not merely simulating organizational contexts
but creating genuine organizational challenges for students. Such challenges encompass diverse
facets of organizational functioning, including but not limited to allocating tasks, collaboration
with individuals possessing distinct skills and expertise, leadership and motivation, navigation of
ambiguity in problem-solving, resolution of interpersonal conflicts, and decision-making
processes.

CAO courses exhibit several key attributes, as identified by Thomas et al. (2020) : (1)
interdependence among tasks and shared responsibilities, (2) integration of peer feedback and
assessment, (3) dual roles for students encompassing both learning and managerial
responsibilities, (4) instructor engagement as mentors while delegating authority to students, and
(5) maintenance of a balance between structure and ambiguity to foster student engagement and
decision-making.