Case-Based Learning (CBL)
In case-based learning (CBL), students work through semi-structured, authentic, scenarios and “learn by doing”. This approach often uses group work and students might work together to explore the case and problem solve.
Advantages of this approach include:
Some challenges of this approach include:
Example 1: Students read about a patient’s presenting symptoms. As a group, students determine which questions they would ask the patient. As the case unfolds, students use clinical reasoning to propose relevant tests and labs, develop a differential diagnoses and then a plan of treatment.
Example 2: Students are presented with information regarding a recent infectious-disease outbreak. Together they have to work through the case materials to determine who patient zero is, how to best contain the infection, and the mechanism by which the disease is spreading.
Interested in learning more about case-based learning or finding resources for cases in your discipline? Try out the Google Plug-in below.