Survey of case study users during pandemic shift to remote instruction

Area of Science:

• Science Education
• Remote Learning

Background:

• Case studies were a common pedagogical tool in science education before the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The pandemic necessitated a shift to remote learning environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how science faculty adapted and utilized the case method for remote instruction.
• To identify challenges and successful strategies employed in online case-based science learning.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 600 faculty members regarding their use of the case method in remote science teaching.
• Data analysis focused on reported teaching strategies, challenges, and successes.

Main Results:

• The case method proved adaptable to online learning, with most faculty using a blend of synchronous and asynchronous formats.
• Key challenges included tracking student participation and preventing easy access to online answers, often mitigated by tools like Google Forms and modified assignments.
• Strategies like breaking cases into smaller parts and using breakout rooms facilitated engagement.

Conclusions:

• The case method can be successfully implemented in remote science education with appropriate adaptations.
• Faculty utilized innovative approaches to overcome challenges in online, case-based learning environments.
• Further research may explore the long-term impact of these remote strategies on student learning outcomes.