Case Studies to enhance both analytical and critical thinking skills
For Kinesthetic courses such as Anatomy/Physiology I have found the use of case studies as a great way to enhance both analytical and critical thinking skills.
Hi James,
Case studies give you a better idea if the student understands the theory or not.
Patricia Scales
I teach older adult students. If they can not see how/when to apply the information, they will not retain the info very well. The use of case studies really allows us to apply the models we teach and to test the student's comprehension level and analytical skills right at the point of instruction. In this way I know when they are ready to move on and when they need additional instruction.
Hi Mary,
These activities give you a good idea as to whether students are understanding or not.
Patricia Scales
I agree scenarios work really well, as does role playing and its fun too!
Hi Melissa,
Case studies really help sharpen students analytical and critical thinking skills. This is learning at its best.
Patricia Scales
This is an interesting website. I found this to be very helpful. Thank you for posting it. I am currently teaching medical law and ethics and there are some great case studies that I can use.
Hi Ellen,
No I have not used this collection, but I do know that you cannot ever go wrong with case studies to promote critical/analytical thinking.
Patricia Scales
Have you used Buffalo New York collection? I don't know the exact name but I google Buffalo New York center for case study teaching and it comes up first. Lots of different kinds of case studies.
Hi Frances,
I concur! Case studies make learning more real! Case studies prepare students for what they will encounter in their career.
Patricia Scales
I agree. With our nursing courses, we constantly use case studies. They are replicas of real life and really foster the thought processes. Our students like them also.
Hi Suzie,
Case studies have really proven to be a great way to bring about thinking. Most case studies apply to what students will encounter in the real world.
Patricia Scales
