Case Method in Physical Education Higher Education: A Pedagogy of Change?

Abstract

Preparing physical educators for the 21st century will require professional preparation programs to address both a growing diverse studentlclient population and a more technologically advanced society (Tyson, 1996). How well do the pedagogical practices within our preparation programs represent these transformations? The case method has potential to be the pedagogy change in physical education higher education. The selected research in this review describes the use of cases to reform other professional preparation programs. Possibilities and pitfalls for using case method to address reflection, multicultural education, and technology integrative practice also are outlined. In 1915, John Dewey challenged us to modify our methods of instruction to incorporate more active and constructive processes. Physical educational professionals are entering work environments that demand skills reflecting a changing world, and our pedagogical practices also need to mirror these complex decision-intensive environments. The case method deserves consideration.