The Use of Decision Cases to Foster Critical Thinking in Social Work Students

Abstract

This article discusses the vital importance of developing critical thinking skills in social work students and explores the use of case-based instruction as a means of fostering those skills. The challenges inherent in the teaching and assessment of critical thinking are addressed. The history and theoretical underpinnings for the use of decision cases as a valid and efficacious teaching tool are presented. Literature evaluating the outcomes of the case method and related strategies is reviewed.

KEYWORDS:

• critical thinking
• case-based instruction
• case method
• decision cases