Use of case studies in first-year sport and exercise science learning

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a learning strategy that is implemented in higher education to facilitate the translation of knowledge to real-life practical situations. Time and resource availability may restrict the implementation of PBL techniques into curricula; however, group-based case studies offer a time and resource efficient applied learning alternative. Indeed, the use of case studies in a learning environment is common practice within medical education and other health professions, such as sport and exercise science (Schmidt, 1983; Wood, 2003). Case studies allow students to problem solve in a scenario-based setting (Strandridge, 2000), and in the subject of sport and exercise nutrition, it is important to be able to relate knowledge acquired in a lecture into a real-life situation to enhance the workforce readiness of students. A workshop using case studies was introduced into a first-year subject in sport and exercise science. The intent of the workshop was to encourage students to engage with a real-life situation and to develop their teamwork and public speaking skills