Student Perceptions of the Case Method in Educational Psychology and Its Impact on Teaching and Learning

The case method enjoys a long tradition in fields such as medicine, law, and business, but is a relatively novel method in teacher education programs. The current study adds to the growing number of studies examining the effects of case-based instruction on students' cognition, affect, and/or behavior. This study specifically examined students' understanding of the purpose of the case method and the impact of the case method on students' changing views of teaching and learning. Results of survey responses, in-depth interviews, and student essays suggest that students "get" the case method and that students leave the course with a more integrated view of teaching and learning. (Contains 1 table.)