Problem Based Learning

An off-shoot of case studies is problem based learning (PBL).  The difference is that PBL presents a question that requires deeper investigation than what facts are given.  A well formulated PBL will start with easier problems and sequence to a problem without any definitive answer—one which requires explanation and facilitation by the instructor.  One of the clear advantages of PBL is that it encourages independent investigation and critical thinking, not unlike the demands of service-learning.  An excellent overview of PBL is found online at San Francisco State University.