Twelve tips on writing a discussion case that facilitates teaching and engages learners

Abstract

The authors share twelve practical tips on writing a case that engages learners in active learning and discussion. They first advise that, during the initial preparation of the case, authors should (1) identify the case goals and objectives, and (2) identify the level of the learners. When writing the case, authors should (3) use active and colorful language; (4) use patients’ own descriptions rather than medical language; (5) allow the learners to interpret data themselves; (6) allow for natural discovery rather than presenting information chronologically; and (7) be realistic about interruptions in patient care. In addition, case authors should pay attention to methods that enhance discussion by (8) creating barriers to diagnostic or treatment options; (9) promoting questions and discussion over answers; (10) using cues to assure discussion flow and knowledge exploration; and (11) omitting details or inserting informational distractors. Finally, well-crafted questions are essential during the case presentation to engage learners in higher-order thinking; and to (12) stimulate curiosity and reflection.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Notes on contributors

David A. Cohen, MD, ECNU, is a practicing adult endocrinologist and Core Educational Faculty, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Instructor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; co-director of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Academy of Medical Educators; and a graduate of the Rabkin Fellowship in Medical Education, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Lori R. Newman, MEd, is the director of professional development in medical education at Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA; Principal Associate in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and co-director of the Academy for Teaching and Educational Innovation and Scholarship, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA.

Laurie N. Fishman, MD, is a practicing pediatric gastroenterologist and Director of Medical Education in Gastroenterology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; member of the Gastroenterology SubBoard of the American Board of Pediatrics; and a graduate of the Rabkin Fellowship in Medical Education, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.