How Do Investigative Cases Fit into Courses?


Preparing posters

The use of investigative cases may lead to changes in a course syllabus. It is not unusual to have to delete, rearrange, rewrite or add other components like lectures or labs. You have a number of questions to ask before bringing cases to your students. When does the course meet? How often? How long? For what purposes? What kind of space is available for teaching? Can small groups work together in the classroom? in lab? When would you fit in cases?

Here are some suggested "prototypes" for incorporating investigative cases:

  • Traditional - 3 hours of lecture, 2-3 hours in lab, fit cases into these
  • Option A - Two blocks per week "workshop" style with some time for case work
  • Option B - Combine lecture and case work, sandwiching lab
  • Option C - Start case on Fri., work on in lab, finish next Fri.
You can, of course, create your own shedule to fit your institution and students.