Engagement Principles
Case-Based Learning
Use real-world scenarios to make learning relevant.
Definition
A teaching method that uses real or realistic scenarios to help learners apply concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and see the relevance of what they’re learning.
💡 Core Idea
By situating learning in real-world contexts, case-based learning makes content more engaging and improves the transfer of knowledge to practical situations.
🔍 How It Works
- Present a detailed scenario that reflects authentic challenges.
- Have learners analyze the case, identify issues, and propose solutions.
- Facilitate discussion to compare approaches and perspectives.
- Connect case insights back to the underlying principles or theory.
🎯 How to Apply
- Use industry-specific cases relevant to your learners.
- Incorporate multimedia elements (documents, videos, datasets).
- Assign roles to encourage perspective-taking.
- Debrief to highlight key takeaways and link to broader concepts.
📌 Quick Example
In a nursing program, students work through a patient care scenario, making decisions based on symptoms, lab results, and patient history before discussing solutions with peers.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using cases that are too abstract or unrelated to learners’ goals.
- Skipping the debrief, leaving lessons unconnected to theory.
- Providing only one “right” answer in complex, real-world situations.
Key Takeaway
Use realistic scenarios to bridge theory and practice—making learning relevant, memorable, and transferable.
📚 Resources
- Herreid, C. F. (2011). Case Study Teaching. National Science Teachers Association.
- Case Method Teaching Overview – Harvard Business School
- Kolodner, J. L. (1997). Educational Implications of Analogy: A View from Case-Based Reasoning. American Psychologist.