Case based learning is best suited for professionals: doctors, lawyers, business people, veterinarians, instructional designers and pre-service teachers. This type of model is typically used less in K-12 settings. Case-based learning emphasizes learning in context. Many learning models and theories may be chunked under case-based methods, including goal-based scenarios, anchored instruction, cognitive flexibility hypertext, and case-based reasoning.
These cases allow students to benefit from the lessons learned from other persons. Cases are like stories or story lines that students ready or interactively explore. Cases can direct students toward a conclusion or provide the resources and context to discuss and debate issues dynamically.
One of the pros I see to this type of model would be the amount of time required for the instructor to develop the cases for students to explore. I am also not sure how this type of model would be the most beneficial to the types of classes that I teach. There are other models that I would definitely use. This would not be one of them. I do see how this is perfect for the field that it was designed for (stated above in the first paragraph). In order to train professionals you must give them real life scenarios to figure out. If I were to use this model I would use YouTube, MovieMaker, or Google Video to present the cases.
I strongly agree with the group you suggested. I do feel as though doctors, lawyers, etc WOULD benefit the most due to the need to have a baseline or comparison factor. Previous knowledge can assist others in making educated guess or assumptions if they have knowledge of similar situations or cases. I agree with the element of time being an issue, especially depending on the target audience of the lesson and whether it would be worth it.
ReplyDeleteHeather Haymer
I think that you meant to say that the time factor would fall in the con rather than pro category.
ReplyDeleteWhile the time necessary to create a case-based model would be significant, I do like the concept of using real world scenarios. Students tend to learn best when they are able to make connections to how the learning applies to the real world.
As you included, this model allows students to learn from others. At the IB school where I work, we encourage students to be risk-takers. They know that the classroom environment is a safe place to experiment and test out new ideas. I wonder if including not only the success of others, but the mistakes as well (and how they learned from them) would encourage learners to be more willing to take risks and test their ideas.
(Julie Jones)
That is what happens when you get in a hurry. It is definately a con. Thanks Julie!
ReplyDeleteKerry - I used this type of model when obtaining my Master of Taxation degree. It is definitely most suited to business professionals; accountants; doctors; and lawyers, rather than high school/elementary school students.
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