Case method in higher education: A case study

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of case method instruction as used in one course in a school of veterinary medicine, and apply what was learned to the use of case method instruction on teacher education. The descriptive case study method (Merriam, 1988) was used to gather data.; The study was conducted using a Toxicology class in which the case method of instruction was used extensively. The researcher observed the class for a full semester taking notes and audio recordings of each session. She particularly observed the interaction of students, small group discussions, the frequency of individual questions, student answers, and the lecture and discussion of the instructor.; At mid-semester ten members of the class were interviewed. Interviews were based on common questions and the students were encouraged to express their views.; The researcher determined that case method is a complex form of instruction. There are increased demands made on the instructor for preparation, instruction and appropriate evaluation. The instructor develops students with higher level thinking abilities but will not be able to cover as much content as with traditional lecture methods. It requires that the instructor be effectively trained in the method.; There are also added demands made on the students when using case method. The students must be prepared for each class session and actively participate to solve the case. Class discussion requires the students to be responsive in class.; This study suggests that case method instruction is useful in learning problem solving. The students benefited from increasing exposure to reflective thinking, small group interaction and large group discussion. They had to bring together content knowledge and problem solving skills to complete the cases.; The area of case method instruction in education is relatively new and requires much further study and refinement. Much of the literature encourages the use of case studies without substantiating its effectiveness. Those in teacher education are warned that the use of case method is complex. If teacher educators do not use cases with care and appropriate preparation the case method of instruction will become yet another passing fad.