ABSTRACT
The case study-based approach is a useful method to develop transferable skills. Key skills that can be embedded into case studies include the following.
Group working
The ability to work well in a group is a valuable skill and one that can be developed during a student’s time at university. Group learning can be used to promote active learning (Bonwell and Eison, 1991), aid the development of communication, leadership, organization and problem-solving skills (Butcher et al., 1995) and has clear vocational relevance. Although most students recognize and acknowledge the benefits of group working, many are concerned with conflicts and uneven workload within groups (Davis and Wilcock, 2003). Feedback on group work has shown that this can present a particular problem for some students, comments include:
It’s not fair when other members of the group do not provide any input or aid the group effort yet still get marks.
