Case presentation as a teaching tool: making a good thing better

Formal lectures have generally replaced case presentations as teaching tools for group learning in internship and residency programs. This article discusses two forms of case presentations--"traditional" and "chunked." Best used to convey medical information, the traditional approach proves less than optimal as a tool in teaching problem-solving skills. The "chunked" method, on the other hand, is an excellent format for formal small- and large-group instruction. An overview and suggested approach for each type is outlined herein. Properly used, each type can be a more efficient, effective tool than lectures when it comes to teaching medical problem-solving skills.