Our Favorite Case-Based Learning Strategies

Transform your classroom by using stories and real-life examples to teach. When students work with real cases, they learn better because they can see how their lessons matter in the real world. Let’s follow along with a simple environmental science case about local water quality to see how this works.

Research backs this up. Studies show that students who learn through cases are more involved in class and remember more of what they learn. Moreover, working with real examples helps them understand how to use what they’ve learned.

Starting Small with Cases

The best way to begin is to start small. First, try using short 10-15 minute cases. For instance, in our water quality example, students might start by testing a single water sample and discussing what the results mean. Subsequently, as everyone gets more comfortable, you can move on to bigger cases that take more time to solve, like mapping water quality across different neighborhoods.

Building Strong Groups

Working together is key to case learning. Therefore, it’s helpful to keep students in the same small groups of 3-4 people. In the water quality project, each team member takes on different roles – one collects samples, another records data, while others research local water standards. As a result, they get to know how each person thinks and works best.

Picking the Right Cases

When choosing cases, look for stories that connect with your students’ lives. For example, the water quality case matters because students drink this water every day. Furthermore, these cases should:

• Link to what you’re teaching
• Matter to your students
• Make them think deeply

Using Today’s Tools

Today’s technology makes case learning even better. With the water quality case, students can use:

• Online maps to plot test locations
• Digital tools to record and share data
• Apps that compare results with other schools

Testing What Students Learn

Instead of just giving tests, case learning lets students show what they know in better ways. For instance, students in our water quality case create reports for the local community. In addition, they learn to solve real problems, which helps them both in and out of school.

The Teacher’s Role

Teachers guide rather than lead in case learning. Meanwhile, they:

• Move around the room
• Ask helpful questions like “What might affect these water test results?”
• Keep discussions on track
• Help when needed

Ready to try case learning in your classroom? Explore more student-centered learning ideas with online continuing education!

2025 Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2015 and has been updated to reflect current developments in case-based learning. The water quality case study example was added to show how case-based learning works in practice.

About the Author
Ellen Paxton is a respected expert in education and Chief Learning Officer of Professional Learning Board. As a two-time National Board Certified Teacher, Ellen has successfully published and customized online professional development courses and Learning Management Systems for 20 years to help teachers meet their state continuing education renewal credit requirements. Through ProfessionalLearningBoard.com, RenewaTeachingLicense.com, and ConnectedPD.com, Ellen has established solutions and maintained partnerships with several accredited universities, higher education institutions, teachers’ unions and state Departments of Education while setting strategic direction that makes a difference and overseeing implementation of popular online PD for schools.