Breathing Life Into the Case Study Approach: Active Learning in an Introductory Natural Resource Management Class

Authors

  • Geoffrey Habron Michigan State University Author
  • Shari Dann Michigan State University Author

Abstract

The authors describe the pedagogical theory, practical applications, and results of an innovative effort to realign a first-year course. The course seeks to foster students' engagement in learning new information while developing critical-thinking skills. The course's holistic approach includes three increasingly complex case studies in both lecture and laboratory format. The case studies incorporate guest speakers, Internet resources, cooperative learning, and in-class simulations within a consistent framework. The authors argue that the increasing complexity and variation of the kinds of case study problems stimulates students' critical thinking by challenging them to apply newly learned concepts in different contexts.

Published

2024-03-22