DESIGNING A CASE ON PLANT PHYSIOLOGY FOR THE REAL WORLD

Abstract

A new course design was implemented in a plant physiology course using a case-based learning design. Three cases formed the basis of tutorial groups for internal students and for facilitated online discussion groups for distance students using the WebCT platform. The design was constructed to encourage the development of higher order cognitive thinking skills in an environment of authentic situated learning, to foster self-directed learning skills and to provide better opportunities for peer interaction. The new design also aimed to improve student engagement with and understanding of the content. The design was evaluated using a range of evaluation tools: an initial self-directed learning skills survey; focus groups; individual interviews; an anonymous teacher evaluation survey; and by examination results. Initially, it was evident that internal and distance students had different strengths in their learning skills. Internal students had quite well developed teamwork skills but appeared to be less able self-directed learners. Distance mode students relied on their well-developed self-directed learning skills but showed poorly developed group and teamwork skills. The new design appeared to initiate the development of self-directed learning skills of the internal student cohort and teamwork skills in distance learners. Although the first case was time intensive for teaching staff and difficult to implement (particularly in distance mode), both student cohorts responded positively to the new course design. An important outcome of the new approach, based on the preliminary observations, was the reduction in failure rates across both cohorts compared to the previous year. The student evaluations clearly identified areas where further improvement to the design could occur, particularly the inclusion of better orientation and scaffolding for the first case. The design has been refined for implementation and the concept has been translated to other undergraduate and postgraduate courses.