Using Case Studies in Science—And Still “Covering the Content”

Team-based learning is ideal for the sciences in which content is the issue. A very effective application approach that has been used to have students develop lesson plans for kindergarten through twelfth-grade students. This is the requirement made for students taking the “Science and the Paranormal” course. The purpose of this course is to develop critical thinking skills in students by asking them to analyze extraordinary scientific and pseudoscientific claims. Many students have worked in groups somewhere along the line, and frequently have had an awful experience. This is especially true for good students. The use of peer evaluations not only serves as an encouragement for all students to contribute their fair share, but can serve as a remedy for any misbehaving team members. The use of peer evaluations tends to make them work harder at getting along.