Learning with cases.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The use of case studies as a teaching and learning method has been traced back to the Medical Society of New Haven in 1788. The use of case studies was introduced into Harvard Law School in 1871, and this method was used with the first class to graduate from Teachers College in 1930. Case studies are now widely used by other disciplines and are gaining popularity in nursing. METHOD: A review of the literature on the use of case studies for learning was performed. FINDINGS: Education is being transformed from a teaching to a learning focus. CONCLUSION: Case methods or studies provide a process of participatory learning that facilitates active and reflective learning and results in the development of critical thinking and effective problem-solving skills. This develops self-directed lifelong learners.