Case-Based Decision-Making
Case-based decision-making combines real-world scenarios with the critical thinking process of making and justifying decisions. It engages students in applying theoretical knowledge to practical problems while evaluating multiple perspectives and possible outcomes.
How It Works
- Present students with a detailed scenario or case study that requires analysis and decision-making.
- Provide guiding questions or specific goals, such as identifying the problem, evaluating potential solutions, and predicting outcomes.
- Assign students to small groups or have them work individually to deliberate and decide on a course of action.
- Facilitate class discussions or have groups present their decisions and justify their reasoning.
Example
In a public health course, students analyze a case study about a viral outbreak in a small community. They must decide on containment strategies, prioritize resource allocation, and plan communication with the public.
Why It’s Effective
- Encourages students to connect theory with real-world applications.
- Promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to justify decisions with evidence.
- Exposes students to diverse perspectives and the complexity of problem-solving in uncertain situations.
Adaptations
- Online: Use an LMS to deliver the case and facilitate group discussions in forums or live breakout rooms. Assign collaborative writing tasks, such as developing an action plan, using shared documents.
- Large Classes: Distribute cases to smaller groups and rotate which groups share their solutions with the entire class.
- Asynchronous: Provide a detailed case scenario and require students to submit their decisions and justifications through an LMS discussion board, followed by peer critique.
Sources and Attribution
Primary Sources
This section is informed by and adapted from the following sources:
- University of Waterloo, Centre for Teaching Excellence. Active Learning Activities.
- Available at: Waterloo CTE
Use of AI in Section Development
This section was developed using a combination of existing research, expert-informed insights, and AI-assisted drafting. ChatGPT (OpenAI) was used to:
- Synthesize best practices for active learning strategies into a cohesive and accessible guide for instructors.
- Clarify approaches that promote student engagement, participation, and deeper learning.
- Enhance readability and coherence, ensuring that active learning techniques are both research-based and practically applicable in face-to-face and online classrooms.
While AI-assisted drafting provided a structured foundation, all final content was reviewed, revised, and contextualized to ensure accuracy, alignment with research, and pedagogical effectiveness. This section remains grounded in institutional best practices and respects Creative Commons licensing where applicable.
