Learners' views about using case study teaching method in an undergraduate level analytical chemistry course

Abstract

This study presents pre-service science teachers' views about implementing a case study and which skills they improved as a result of using the method. Sixteen participants in a chemistry class were the subjects in the 2013 summer school term. In the teaching about the properties of chromium, students watched selected parts of the movie Erin Brockovich in four sections. Each part of the movie was followed with a question, and students were then given about 15-20 minutes to find out the answer to the question by using Internet-based resources in the classroom environment. Qualitative data were collected by having participants respond in writing to open-ended questions and through semi-structured interviews. Overall, students' reactions to the method were positive. The results showed that students found it to be an effective instructional method, despite having some difficulties with the expectations of the method and this method has provided many benefits for pre-service teachers.