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Emily and Dr. Haskins: Classroom Expectations, Pragmatics, and Clinical Acumen

Abstract:: This case study on clinical practice, preparation, and acumen follows the story of Emily, an intelligent, hard working, and motivated student who yet encounters difficulties in the clinical fieldwork component of her senior seminar. A follow-up section of the case switches to the perspective of Dr. Haskins, Emily's supervisor in the clinic, who sees in Emily a student ill-prepared to deal with clients. Students read the case study and discuss a series of open-ended questions that explore various aspects of performing and supervising clinical fieldwork. The case can be used in introductory survey courses in the allied health field or education, with advanced students about to start their fieldwork, or with students finishing graduate work and about to become supervisors themselves.

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Speak Up!: Mini Cases in Language

Abstract:: This series of mini cases focuses on language deficits (aphasias) and their likely organic causes (problems in specific brain areas). Students read one of the six cases, which are based on actual cases reported in the literature, and connect the symptoms described in the case to a specific aphasia and the affected brain area(s). The cases could be used in a variety of courses, including physiological psychology, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, cognitive science, sensation and perception, and cognitive neuropsychology/neuroscience.

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Abstract:: This case was developed to teach first-year medical students about medical ethics as they apply to patient communication. Students receive an introductory lecture covering the basics of giving bad news and then are asked to apply what they have learned to a real-life medical situation they read about. The case describes a man who, recently retired, is looking forward to a cruise trip with his wife, but he hasn't been feeling well. Medical tests show he has colon cancer. Assuming the role of the physician, students must decide when and how to break the bad news. To prepare for their role, students learn the six-step protocol for breaking bad news developed by medical oncologist Dr. Robert Buckman, which they then apply to the case.

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Abstract:: The focus of this case study is the way differing views on native fluency and bilingualism have an impact on writing instruction in colleges. In the case, students read about the high school and college experiences of a young woman who moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic at age nine with a good deal of fluent, informal spoken English, but little skill in reading and writing formal, standard English. Students follow Maria as she wrestles with her identity as an English user and, along the way, encounter high school teachers and college professors wrestling with a lack of information about how students gain mastery of a language and literacy.

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Abstract:: Carla, a first semester graduate student in audiology, has noticed that her grandfather appears to be having trouble hearing what her grandmother says. Other people in the family can' help but notice it too as it becomes a source of increasing aggravation and strife between Carla's grandparents. Students read the case and analyze data in order to understand the nature of Carla's grandfather's problem. The case was developed for a medical physiology course taken by postgraduate students in physical therapy and physician assistant professional programs and graduate students in a cell and molecular biology program. It could also be adapted for use in general education human biology or human aging courses or in a majors' undergraduate physiology course.