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The Efficacy of Case Method Teaching in an Online Asynchronous Learning Environment
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2006
Year
E-learningIn-person TrainingEducationOnline LearningCase Method TeachingCase MethodTeacher EducationLearning PsychologyLearning StrategiesInstructional TechnologyCognitive Learning GainsEducational CaseLearning SciencesWorkplace LearningLearning AnalyticsOnline Course DevelopmentRemote TeachingBlended LearningOnline TeachingOnline Education
Case method teaching enhances cognitive learning and is widely used in face‑to‑face classes, yet its effectiveness may differ in online asynchronous distance education, a growing area of study. The study compares case method teaching in face‑to‑face versus online asynchronous environments, testing four hypotheses about student performance. All four hypotheses were confirmed; online asynchronous settings increased participation in certain cases but produced lower cognitive learning gains than face‑to‑face instruction, with additional observations on online learning reported.
Case method teaching is a method of instruction that can improve the cognitive learning process. This method is used extensively in face-to-face classes. However, when it is applied to a distance education class in an online asynchronous environment, learning outcomes may differ. This article reports on a study that compares the use of case method teaching in face-to-face and online asynchronous environments. Four hypotheses on student performance were proposed. Correlation analysis supported all of the hypotheses. Other interesting findings regarding online learning also were reported as a result of the data analysis. Overall, an online asynchronous environment can promote students’ participation in certain cases; however, cognitive learning gains do not seem to be as high as in the face-to-face environment. With distance education becoming more prevalent, this is a rich area for future research.