One of the more common ways to engage students and legitimize course material is using case studies. Case-based courses give students real-life or simulated scenarios that are complex and require thought and analysis. It gives them opportunities to learn in context, instead of as isolated material. These courses tend to focus on problem solving, critical thinking and group discussion, since most cases do not have an obvious, simple answer.
Resources
- Case-Based Learning Course Planning: Yale Center for Teaching and Learning
- National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science: Natural Science Teaching Association
- Active Learning In Practice: Case Studies: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Queen’s University
- Common Case Teaching Challenges and Possible Solutions: Harvard Kennedy School
- Case Studies: University of Manitoba
Examples
Cases: Students get mock criminal and civil cases and have to do a trial presentation in a real courtroom
Cases: Students are presented with issues that they need to negotiate with one another
Cases: Students explore controversial issues in marketing and have to debate the merits of different positions
Case: Each group of students is assigned a local company to research to learn about its business practices, culture, strengths, and weaknesses.
Case: Clinical scenarios are simulated both using software and physical model patients and students have to demonstrate proper practices and treatments
Cases: Students analyze various media articles related to the application of mathematical concepts in society
Cases: The course is focused on role-playing different scenarios faced by a Clinical Social Worker