Teaching with problem-based medical cases: theoretical and practical foundation for case facilitators

Welcome to Teaching with problem-based medical cases: theoretical and practical foundation for case facilitators

Program: B (CPM, CSLTM, HES, relevant for all who work with/wants to work with medical cases)

Description:

Case facilitation with problem-based learning (PBL) is the central teaching model at Aalborg University Medicine and Medicine with industrial specialization (MedIS). The aim of problem-based case work is to facilitate learning in ways that mirror professional practice. This has several advantages, including highlighting the applicability of the material being taught and facilitates active learning, which increases student motivation, engagement, and the final learning outcome.

A feature of problem-based case work is the use of problem triggers placed in a context, e.g. a medical phenomenon. Small groups of students work on the case together: 1) They analyze the problem, 2) identify learning issues for developing an adequate explanation for the phenomenon, 3) follow up with research, and 4) prepare the explanations. When required, they would also determine the course of treatment, action or solution that best address the phenomenon. Focus is on analyzing complex situations with limited information using acquired knowledge and deduction, and learning to understand causalities of biological systems, i.e. the link between symptoms, biological mechanism, clinical outcomes, and applied treatments.

In this way, the students train logical thinking, are informed of the relevance of the topics yielding higher engagement and learning, help associate the new knowledge to previously acquired, and come into the mindset of a professional presented with a context to deal with. (Barrows & Tamblyn, 1980)

The case facilitator has a central role in ensuring the optimal outcome of the case-sessions and can “make or break” the sessions. However, the teaching strategy of the case facilitator is vastly different from the role undertaken by a lecturer and furthermore changes as the students’ progress. Participants on this course will be given a solid introduction to the theoretical and practical foundation of case facilitation, focusing on our implemented teaching strategies and activities at the Medicine and MedIS bachelor. Please note that while the technique applied on the medicine master level builds on this methodology, case facilitation on the master level is significantly different. This course focuses on case facilitation on the bachelor level and only briefly touches upon the master level. A special focus is on the role of the case facilitator, and the practicalities of case facilitation, down to the level of what to bring to a session and other experiences. A simulated case session will demonstrate the role of the case facilitator. Successful completion of the course will enable the participants to work as case facilitators at the medicine and MedIS bachelor level.

Contents of lectures:

• Introduction and theoretical foundation of problem-based case work
• The steps of case sessions and facilitation
• The important role of the case facilitator
• Hands-on: Solve case under supervision
• Case facilitator preparation for case sessions
• Good and bad cases, and future directions of case work

Literature/Requirements:

Notes, literature, and exercise instruction will be distributed up to and during the course

Prerequisites:

None. The course will provide a solid foundation of casework.

Evaluation:

Participants are expected to be active during the sessions and exercises.

Organizer:

• Associate Professor Tue Bjerg Bennike

Lecturers:

• Associate Professor Patrik Kjærsdam Telléus
• Associate Professor Louiza Bohn Thomsen
• Associate Professor Tue Bjerg Bennike

ECTS: 0,75

Date: 17 August 2026

Time: 8:15-16:15

Place: Aalborg University, Selma Lagerløfs Vej 249, 9260 Gistrup, room 11.00.032

City: Gistrup

Number of seats: 25

Deadline: 27 July 2026

Important information concerning PhD courses:

There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course. We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.

To attend courses at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology you must be enrolled as a PhD student.

For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at phdcourses@adm.aau.dk. When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.