An Exploration of Case-Based Teaching and Learning in AAC Courses: Student Data Analysis and Reflections on Engaging in Academic Research

Case-based learning is a beneficial pedagogical approach because it offers opportunities for students to apply constructs and frameworks and to develop clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Clinical cases have been used to explore students' clinical reasoning skills in AAC research studies; however, few instructors have published about the use of case-based learning in their AAC courses. Thus, this study aimed to understand how and why faculty and instructors use case-based learning in graduate-level AAC courses as well as their recommendations for colleagues. A total of twelve faculty participated in the study by completing an interview. Qualitative data analysis was completed. Themes related to participants purpose for using case-based learning, how participants incorporated case-based learning in their courses, and their recommendations related to case-based learning are presented in the Results. Student reflections are shared as well as implications of the study for faculty and instructors.