As I read the information on the Case Based Learning model, it does seem to have this umbrella characteristic. It seems that you can include many of the previous instructional models under it. For example, problem based learning and cooperative learning do fit nicely under a case based learning umbrella. I feel that the case based model is an approach to learning that involves applying critical thinking and reasoning skills. These skills do require that you already have basic knowledge to call upon. With this in mind, I think this model can be used more effectively in the upper grade levels. I feel it is hard to teach phonic, addition, basic grammar, and other base skill in a case based learning model in the elementary grade level. Case based reasoning skills do require a person to have a functioning set of basic skills.
Since case based learning involves real world cases, does this bring up any intellectual and personal privacy rights? Would the average citizen mind having their personal finance history used in a college case study on financial bankruptcy?
I can see case based learning taking a lot of time to develop. I think it would be very important to use critically designed guiding questions to help the students find all the areas in the case where critical decisions were made. This also bring up the question as to how do we assess case based learning. I can see case based learning as having sometimes very subjective conclusions. There are many ways and solution to real world problems. How do we know the students have discovered the most appropriate one?
Overall, I think this model is good at helping students learn, based on real world situations. This model can help students to be more prepared to make appropriate and critical decisions in the real world, where they have to live and prosper.
If you used this model with elementary students, it would provide them opportunities to practice literacy and critically evaluating text and media. But you are so right about those basic skills required to access this type of module. One possible solution would be to have students work in collaborative groups that are tiered heterogeneously according to those basic skills needed to complete the lesson. The kids who have those basic skills could scaffold and model for the kids who don't. Do you think that would help?
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteNicely said about the umbrella characteristic. I agree with you about the personal privacy. I once took a military safety course. We had some real life cases. Most were 15-20 years old. No real names were used. I think if we stick to older cases and not using real names, privacy can be somewhat protected. I really did learn from one of the cases which involved a drowning during some unit training at the local pool. I will NEVER let that happen to anyone who works for me.
Re: how do we assess case based learning? Good point. I imagine it would be a challenge to line this up with standardized tests that did not already provide some measure as part of the package. I imagine rubrics would be used - not perfect for fixing that bias, but maybe a way to lessen it? But then how would such a rubric on ill-defined problem solving break down individual measures? How well the student integrated available information? How many options they considered as possible solutions? A simulation of the impact their decisions would have made? -- tough to say.
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteI agree that problem based and cooperative learning is similar to the case based learning theory. The assessment of case based learning is an important question that needs to be addressed. I think using a rubric would be a good form of assessment. This would guarantee that the students thought about the several aspects of the case. I do not think that the instructor should be concerned if the students devised the correct solution to each case. Rather, the instructor should want each student to think critically and understand different options and opinions.
Good point about how do we know students have discovered the most appropriate solution to a real world problem. This is a very subjective approach. I can see some cases not being subjective. With everything in life there are somethings that are black and white. But what do we do about the outcomes that are subjective? Great point!
ReplyDelete