Case-based learning (CBL) is a learner-centered teaching strategy in which learners analyze authentic problems, real or fictional, to address problems, resolve questions, and/or identify solutions. Working in groups or individually, learners examine cases using guided inquiry, applying knowledge and critical thinking skills, and connecting theory to practice developing relevant skills (Thistlethwaite et al., 2012). During CBL, faculty prepare cases, guide discussion, and provide feedback while students prepare for the case in advance, participate in discussion, and ask questions.
Last Reviewed
January 26, 2026
First Published
April 22, 2024
Why Use This Strategy?
- CBL can enhance clinical knowledge and reasoning skills, practice behaviors, teamwork skills, communication skills, and patient outcomes.
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Case-based learning, when compared to other techniques, can increase medical and pharmacy undergraduate students’ academic performance as well as their capacity to analyze cases.
Teaching Tips
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Steps to Creating a CBL Activity (Queen’s University)
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Write Learning Objectives/Outcomes (what do you want the learners to know, do, or value by the end of this activity)
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Select Case (real/fictional, original/borrowed, must align with objectives, relevant and appropriate)
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Develop Questions to Guide Discussion (what problem needs to be solved, open-ended)
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Facilitate Group Discussions (faculty act as guide on the side)
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Debrief (compare responses to understand implications of solutions)
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A series of questions are pertinent when developing CBL activities (University of Connecticut)
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What do you want students to learn from the discussion of the case?
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What are the issues that may be raised in discussion?
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What preparation is expected of students?
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What directions do you need to provide students regarding what they are supposed to do and accomplish?
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Do you need to divide students into groups, or will they discuss as the whole class?
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What are the opening questions?
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Pre-written cases can be a time-saver; however, it may be difficult to identify a case that aligns with your learning objectives/outcomes. Check out the resource list of pre-written cases on the TLC website.
Resources
- Ali, M., Han, S.C., Bilal, H.S.M., Lee, S., Kang, M.J.Y., Kang, B.H., Razzaq, M.A., & Amin, M.B. (2018). iCBLS: An interactive case-based learning system for medical education. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 109, 55-69.
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Case Method Teaching and Learning. Center for Teaching and Learning, Columbia University.
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