Case-based strategies

1. Case-based strategies

In case-based learning, students practice working through cases that represent real-world examples of situations. Cases should demonstrate the targeted problem solving and decision making situations you would want students to be prepared for. Case-based Learning is similar to Experiential learning in that they are both based on real-world experiences and require reflection. However, cases are one step removed from the real-world, more contained and controlled than actual experiences, and more readily digestible as useable knowledge. Case-based strategies include simulations and role play activities.

2. Case studies

You can create case studies to demonstrate concepts and principles and that require students to make decisions similar to those that would be made in real-world situations.

Use representative case studies to engage learners in applying their skills to solve realistic problems. For forecasters, these skills might include data selection, interpretation, and analysis, as well as decision-making and/or communication skills. A case study can be short and isolate one part of the forecast process, or it can be more complex and ask learners to perform each step of the process using a complete data set. Using multiple cases can help to reveal key variables in the situations learners will confront on the job.

Example:

First, review the ingredients of severe convection through an online resource or a live session. Then, present a case that asks learners to analyze data to anticipate the likelihood that severe convection will result, and to make 12-hour, 4-hour, and 1-hour area forecasts, as well as a nowcast for an urban center.

Numerous activities and resources in Moodle provide the opportunities to display data, have learners comment on them or make decisions, and provide feedback on those decisions.

Forum, which is extensively discussed in Unit 3, might be used a case study because allows sharing images in attachments, and exchanging comments and feedback in posts. Similarly Wiki, Lesson, or Quiz each provide ways for interacting with case study data and information. Database or Folder can be used to share large amounts of data. A Book can be used to create a case demonstration, followed by another activity for questions and feedback. A Lesson can be used to combine the benefits of a Book and Quiz at the same time.

3. Simulations

Use a simulation to create a situation that calls for authentic decision-making in realistic conditions, including representative data and time constraints. Simulation can be technology-rich and highly realistic, or it can be simple and imaginative. Simulations will always necessarily have to include some practical limitations to the authenticity of the situation. Limitations can even be used to help focus on particular tasks or aspects of the whole task.

Example:

Use one of the free simulator engines available to create a simulation for a 12-hour forecast based on data you provide at 4 different time steps. Ask forecasters to write and justify their forecast.

Use the robust functionality of Quiz with different levels of hints and feedback

Use Lesson with different questionsand paths

Use a Q & A Forum where the first question is a description of a realistic scenario

Use Chat - a brief (containing data) could be given with task instructions and a time set for a discussion and completion of a task.

Use Forum - Example: Aviation communication (roles: pilot, forecaster, …) as a time restricted activity

Use Feedback with open ended and closed question.

Use external tools such as the Eumetcal/MetOffice case simulation tool.

4. Role Play

Role-play is a special form of simulation in which a group of learners explore a challenging situation by taking on the roles of people with differing needs, goals, and tasks. The role-play provides opportunities to learn how to work together or interact in such situations.