If you teach a case-based or example-based course, in which the instructor presents examples to the class, and students then work on those examples or cases either individually or in small groups, we suggest you record as much of your 'lecture' or presentation-of-new-material as possible. Save your synchronous meeting time for the practice cases on which students can work together (if they work in groups) and/or for students to bring their conclusions back to the group and let the instructor respond in real-time.

A case-based course is also one of the easiest course formats in which to include a bit of Team-Based Learning. One of the hallmarks of formal TBL (which LSA often adapts very freely) is that students first work on a problem or test alone, and then work it again in a group. Pooling knowledge often results in better conclusions, and comparing individual with group conclusions and discussing possible reasons for any differences helps students reflect on their own learning process. 

Group work is extremely challenging to do effectively in traditional lecture halls, so this is one of the course formats we encourage instructors placed in lecture halls to consider doing in the blended mode. Teaching one day online, to more easily accommodate the group work, and then a second day on-site so that the instructor can lead the whole class in reflection on or analysis of everyone's conclusions, may go more smoothly than attempting serious team-based work in a lecture hall.

We also recommend including a discussion forum, in Canvas, for students to continue their reflection on the week's cases/examples. Expanding such discussions beyond the classroom lets students continue to make connections and deepen their learning over time.

For a case-based course, we recommend the following basic pattern:

If you are providing any readings in electronic format, consider adding it as a Hypothesis or Perusall assignment, rather than simply linking to the file, so that students can share their annotations, reading notes, and questions with each other there.

Example

Take a look at an example case/team-based Module.

Import this Template into your Canvas Course

Visit Canvas Commons to find a blank case/team-based template to import into your Canvas course. 

To import a LSA Template into your Canas course:

1. Open Canvas.
2. Click the Commons icon in the left-side navigation menu.
3. Type LSA Teaching Remotely in the search bar.
4. Click the LSA Template you wish to import.
5. Click the blue Import/Download button.
6. Select the course in which to import the template.
7. Click the blue Import into Course button.  

View more detailed instructions on how to import a LSA Template into your Canvas course.

If you would like to consult with someone on the best way to use this template for your own course, contact the Learning and Teaching Technology Consultants at LSATechnologyServices@umich.edu.