Description of Resources
Best Practices – Dr. Jim Johnson, PI for the Case Files project, used this PowerPoint at the ATE-PI Conference in October, 2003. He describes the position of the Case Files project among other “contextual learning and teaching” projects at NSCC. This presentation provides an overview of the foundational principles for the Case Files project with an emphasis on differentiating Problem-based Case Studies from traditional cases, and an explanation of the Case Files’ Learning Cycle set within the context of an example PBCS.
21st Century Learning – Dr. Ruth Loring addresses the role of the community college in preparing students for 21st living and working. As background to the first presentation to the NSCC faculty in August 2002, this handout contains a list of the “new basics” proposed by David Thornburg; the core skills needed by present day workers reported by the enGauge project; and quotes with references on active learning, assessment and transfer. Finally, the “framework for developing a culture for active learning” connects to development of problem-based case studies.
Unpack Your Thinking – This handout contains step-by-step instructions for two strategies that promote active learning: Think Aloud Protocol and KWL. Instructions answer these questions: (1) What is it? (2) When do I use it? (3) What’s the procedure? (4) What comes to mind as you reflect on the process? (5) What are the implications for the learner and future learning? Since this handout was originally used in a workshop with NSCC faculty in August 2002, a group processing tool is included, Think/Pair/Share. The document concludes with an excerpt from Berry Beyer on “what research tells us about teaching thinking skills.”
Adaptive Expertise – In July 2001 John Bransford while still at Vanderbilt University shared in an e-mail some of his thoughts regarding “why we should care about the concept of adaptive expertise. For participants in the November 2004 Design & Implementation Institute in Nashville, with permission from Dr. Bransford, Ruth Loring restructured and elaborated with other references that e-mail. This document has since been used by hundreds of faculty who have learned over the last two years the foundational principles of “adaptive expertise” as they design, develop and implement Problem-based Case Studies within their courses.
Case Studies for Technology – This thirty-page booklet was written by Mark E. Walls and Sydney Rogers during SEATEC which preceded The Case Files project. The conceptual underpinnings for the Case Files project are described in detail in this foundational document. Posted on the SEATEC Legacy Site along with other resources developed during the SEATEC project.
Case Files Demo – This CD prepared by the Case Files staff contains video clips on the following topics: An Introduction with Jim Johnson; Informal Comments and Feedback from NSCC Engineering students; How People Learn with John Bransford; How Case Studies Relate to the Theories of Learning with Ruth Loring; and comments from faculty in Arkansas and Tennessee on the difference using PBCS has made in their practice.
Transferring Teaching and Learning Research to the Classroom – Sydney Rogers prepared this manuscript for publication in Community College Journal (AACC) in summer 2003. Points made by Ms. Rogers regarding the challenges of change for classroom practitioners continue to be relevant for faculty in process of adoption and adaptation of innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
The Truth about Problem Based Case Studies – This presentation prepared for participants of the Summer Skills Symposium (S3) held in Cookeville, TN, August 2003, was led by Sydney Rogers to clarify the differences between PBCS methodology and traditional case study methodology. After you open the first slide, be sure to roll over the icons at the top to activate all the content in this presentation.