Case-based learning

At the time of revelation, the companions of Rasulullah sallallahu alaihi wa sallam would always refrain from asking questions about issues that had not yet eventuated. Upon the witnessing of an event, or upon the taking place of an incident, a number of educational events would take place that would give a comprehensive view of the topic – giving the companions radiallahu anhum – a theoretical and practical guideline upon which to base their course of action. This is the basis of what is now known as case based learning - the emphasis of which is learning through practical real life scenarios. Problem based learning is similar - in that, learning issues are centred around real problems that require solutions.

AlKauthar has developed its courses using the case based and problem based learning methodology that entails using cases and problems to deduce learning objectives. Lectures are then delivered in accordance with the learning objectives. This methodology of learning develops the student’s problem solving skills and allows them to appreciate the practical aspect of the knowledge which they have gained. By the end of the program, a student would have been presented with hundreds of real world scenarios enabling them to quickly identify issues as they arise. They will be able to ask the right questions to formulate an appropriate response and be able to identify sources for obtaining answers to the problem.

“These scenarios do an amazing job in helping me to consolidate all the knowledge I have learnt during the course. Its fantastic!!”  [AlKauthar student]

The case method creates an atmosphere  in which students succeed not by simply absorbing facts and theories, but also by exercising the skills of analytical thinking, teamwork and comprehension. Under the skilful guidance of our instructors, they work together to analyse and synthesise conflicting data and points of view, to define and prioritise the goals and targets, to persuade and inspire others who think differently, to make decisions with sometimes uncertain information, and to direct, channel and focus the outcome into an Islamic solution to the problem. Thus a student would need to draw from a wide base of knowledge and analytical tools. By the time a student graduates from AlKauthar, he/she will have taken hundreds of real life cases and developed the strongest ties to reality that university style education can give.

How does it work?

At the beginning of the class, the instructor opens up the case of the hour with the first trigger. This is usually the starting point which contains all the primary information about a case. Thereafter students have 15-20 minutes during which the class collectively dives into deep analysis, argument, insight, and passionate persuasion. Thereafter a second trigger is produced followed by discussion and thereafter a third (if there is one). In more traditional forms of learning, the instructor is the only person who speaks. Whereas in AlKauthar's CBL system, the instructor is more like a conductor orchestrating the minds of the students into a symphony of rapid fire discussion and analysis. A great part of what students learn comes from listening to the dozens of contrasting opinions and perspectives of other students, a diverse constellation of talented people from an extraordinary range of personal and professional backgrounds. Frequently, the amazing amount of information that such an intense group discussion brings out, breeds a culture of constant intellectual renewal and growth in which the Instructors learn as much as the students themselves.

Is it effective?

Case based learning produces thinkers and leaders. It incorporates in our students the necessary analytical and critical thinking that afford him/her the confidence and preparation for real life cases. The CBL system of learning is implemented by world leading educational institutions like the Harvard University who originally pioneered the system in its current form. A large number of Medical schools around the world are also utilising this system in their teaching. All of this is collective proof of its success. AlKauthar is pioneering the implementation of the CBL system in Islamic Education. Why not try attending one of our seminars and see for yourselves how amazingly effective this system really is.