Sunday, February 15, 2015

Case-Based Learning by Robbie Vogeler



What is case-based learning?
Case-Based learning has been around for millennia, stories were passed down from generation to generation as a way to teach morals and share history.  The modern definition of case-based learning focuses on the individual, or group learning a skill through the study of other’s experiences.  By studying the outcome of prior cases, one may develop decision making skills without “real world experience”.  This is a valuable tool as it simulates experience-based learning, without the consequences of failure.

Case-based learning falls under two separate learning theories, constructivist and cognitivist.  Constructivism theorizes that learning is based on what we already know and we build upon previous knowledge.  Case-based learning draws from this theory when students formulate conclusions based on previously learned cases.  Cognitivism theorizes that while learning does rely heavily on prior knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving must be applied to this knowledge to reach new conclusions.  This is saying that case-based learners must not only understand previous cases, but have the critical thinking skills necessary to adapt and apply this knowledge to the problem at hand.

Example of case-based learning:
Many jobs offer case-based learning, I feel the job which offers one of the best case-based learning is the medical field.  All medical students are provided with different types of resolved cases but must make their analysis with the information they are provided.   After making their final analysis these students are then graded and shown any mistakes they may have made or components they may have overlooked. 
Case-based learning is critical in medical classes as doctors and nurses face important decisions throughout their day-to-day operations and many of their patients have similar symptoms.   With case based learning these students are exposed to similar cases they may face after finishing the class. 



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