ABSTRACT
The use of real world examples has been identified by engineering students as a key attribute of a good engineering lecturer (Collins, 2009). Case studies play an important role in engineering education by exposing students to real world examples (Raju and Sankar, 1999) and to situations and challenges that would not typically be encountered in classroom activities (Akili, 2007). In doing so, they provide relevance through the context of a real project, motivation for students to engage, interaction to enhance learning, integration of existing knowledge and the development of communication skills (Akili, 2007). They also provide a means for the development of key skills and attributes such as teamwork, communication and problem solving (Davis and Wilcock 2003). Case studies also improve the motivation and engagement of students in learning (Mustoe and Croft 1999).
