Case Based Learning - by C. Suarez

Case Based Learning – By Cindy Suarez

Case Based Learning is utilized to help students work through “real life” situations.  Usually done in small group settings of no more than five students, the group is presented with a scenario (case), which they then must resolve, and/or present some or all possible solutions or outcomes.  The complexity of the problem depends on the level of the students.  Case Based Learning is often used at the college level and in medical, business and law schools.

An example of Case Based Learning presented to medical students would include the following:

•  The case history of the patient, age, gender, medications, past surgeries, contributing factors such as family history and lifestyle. 
•  A summary of the issues that lead to the current situation.
• Students review lab reports, x-rays, and other pertinent diagnostic reports.
•  Discussion among the group as to possible diagnosis and members each research those possibilities to review at the next meeting.  
•  Consensus among the group members may or may not be possible depending on the case.  The case may have one solution, multiple solutions, or no solution.

Instructors become facilitators during Case Based Learning.  They provide limited information and structured guidance to ensure that the group is not completely off course, but it is the students who are running the show.  Collaboration is an essential element of Case Based Learning.  In some classroom settings, it may be necessary to set up behavior guidelines, such as not interrupting, respectful discussion, etc.

Case Based Learning is beneficial because it allows students to explore a topic in depth, utilizing and engaging all the senses.  It builds on prior knowledge and advances it.  It is important for the instructor to challenge the students (not make the case too easy or too unfamiliar), so that they are using their critical thinking skills to expand their current level of knowledge.  Since students learn in different ways, Case Based Learning is effective because the information is presented in various formats (visual, verbal, etc.).  An excellent teacher perspective article can be found here http://www.nea.org/assets/img/PubThoughtAndAction/TAA_01Sum_05.pdf

Family Tree

Case Based Learning can be linked to Constructivist Theory.  Constructivist Theory describes learning as building on what’s already known.  In the example above, the medical students would already have a general knowledge of the disease process, so they need to access that knowledge to be able to work through the case. 

See also:

Problem Based Learning, Discovery Based Learning, Action Learning

Resources and links:

Harasim, L.  (2010).  Learning Theory and Online Technologies.  Taylor & Francis Group. 

http://casebasedlearning.weebly.com/
http://www.learning-theories.com/
http://www.udlcenter.org/implementation/postsecondary/case-based_learning
http://crlt.umich.edu/tstrategies/tsctpl