Case Based Reasoning

Case based reasoning; we see it on the detective shows, in the court-house scenes, and the hospital shows. In real life, these scenarios play out in a similar fashion. Through research we find situations that are similar to the challenges we face today and look for solutions based on the other’s experiences in the past. CBR allows us to benefit from the lessons

learned by others. Even if the cases don’t completely relate to present circumstances, we can draw conclusions and gain the resources and context to understand and debate the present situation.

I like this type of learning experience if for no other reason than it gets younger students to rely on, or at least consider, the experiences of their elders. I think it is an easy way for students to visualize the solutions too as the stories illustrate a concrete solution to their problems that they can use as they see fit, or revise to fit their current situation. It also gives the older more experienced learner a glance into the thinking process of their younger counterparts when they work to revise the cases to fit their needs.

I like the idea of including cases that sometimes give contradictory information so that the students will have to use some higher order thinking skills to solve their problems.  It’s all about solving problems by remembering old problems and adapting the solutions to fit a new situation.

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