Key Features of Case Based Learning
There are multiple formats in which case based learning can take place, in each format there may exist defining features:
Although each format may contain its own defining features, all of the above listed formats have a major concept in common; participation. Participation by the group members must be maximized for the learning method's effectiveness. Below is a brief description of a number of the above case based learning formats:
- Discussion
- Debate
- Public hearing
- Trial
- Problem based
- Scientific research
- Team learning
- Interrupted case
Although each format may contain its own defining features, all of the above listed formats have a major concept in common; participation. Participation by the group members must be maximized for the learning method's effectiveness. Below is a brief description of a number of the above case based learning formats:
- Discussion
- "Discussions help students learn to tolerate the ambiguities inherent in so much intellectual inquiry" (Brookfield & Preskill, 2005, p. 23)
- "A good discussion is one that leaves issues open for further inquiry and in which as many questions are raised as are answered." (Brookfield & Preskill, 2005, p. 23)
- click here to see Stanford University's Center for Teaching and Learning's stance on effective discussion leading
- click here to see a page by the Saskatoon Public Schools on using discussion in the classroom - Debate
- structured argument between individuals or teams for and against a given topic
- click here to see a page by the Saskatoon Public Schools on using debate in the classroom
- click here to see a video (12m) for an introduction to debate in the classroom setting - Problem based
- a problem is identified and is meant to act as a guide for what is to be learned
- McMaster University identifies 7 steps in problem based learning: identify the problem, explore preexisting knowledge, generate hypotheses and possible mechanisms, identify learning issues, self study, re-evaluation and application of new knowledge to problem, assessment and reflection on learning (Walsh, 2005, p. 4) - Team learning
- click here to see a nice overview of what Team Learning is by the Baylor College of Medicine - Interrupted case
- this method uses traditional case studies but is considered 'interrupted' because they are often lengthy and will start and stop periodically. The case won't be run through from start to finish in one sitting.
- this method mimics what may happen in real life, that a case is presented in pieces, and as more information is provided or obtained, the case can continue.
- click here to see a page by the Saskatoon Public Schools on using case studies in the classroom