What is a Problem-based Case Study?

A Problem-based Case Study (PBCS) is a structured learning experience designed to focus students' attention on analyzing the nature of the problem(s) set within the broader context of a real world situation from business or industry.

Students are coached through the "learning cycle" process as they actively engage the learning environment both in and outside the classroom. They work in teams to gather, organize, validate, and interpret data as they work toward solution(s) which they present in the end as proposal for solving the problem."

Unlike traditional case study methodologies, PBCS begins with students clarifying the nature of the problem, rather than being "given the problem."

What Makes it so Engaging and Effective?

What makes PBCSs powerful is that they are current, authentic problems from business or industry. They employ proven learning techniques that are natural to the way people learn. 

They help students learn technical content within the context of a problem -- learning comes from actually solving the problem.

It encourages creative thinking by allowing the problem to be open-ended, fostering the development of several solutions to the same problem. It integrates technical, teamwork, communications and interpersonal skills. Research findings have demonstrated that transfer of learning improves when students use the learning cycle, embedded in every PBCS.

What is the Learning Cycle?

The Learning Cycle is a problem solving method which helps students learn to be effective problem solvers.

The Situation:
Set the scene and meet the problematic situation.

Problem Analysis:
Form hypotheses, asking: What do I know? What assumptions do I have? What questions do I have? What resources do I need?

Field Insights:
Search for and gather information and perspectives in the field.

Resource Development:
Identify documentation needed to inform field insights.

Test Points:
Thinking critically, evaluate hypotheses and possibly reformulate conclusions. Define problem and determine best fit solution.

Proposals:
Present the solution. Debrief the problem.