| This descriptive study investigated the effects of using a case-based method with senior English Majors in Egypt. Critical thinking, reasoning ability, flexibility, attitudes towards the case-method, and attitudes towards English as a foreign language (EFL) in general were the effects studied. A total of 76 full-time senior English majors from the College of Education, Minia, Egypt, participated in the study during the academic year of 1998–1999.; The study utilized a pre/post one-group design method. The pre-testing included several tools measuring critical thinking, flexibility, and attitudes as well as two case-method demonstration cases. After exposure to a case-based method of instruction, the sample was post-tested using the same set of tests and a case analogous to the pre-test case. Cases were designed to stimulate critical thinking, reasoning, flexible attitudes, and multiple perspective-taking through enriched discussions and assigned professional readings. It was also thought that cases can build an experiential knowledge base in novice teachers.; Data was analyzed utilizing both qualitative and quantitative means. Responses to the pre and post cases were analyzed using a rating scale (Libby's 1994) which focused on degree of reflective thinking. Results of the study showed that case-based instruction appeared to have a significant positive and tangible impact on Egyptian students' critical thinking, reasoning ability, flexibility in thinking, attitudes towards the case method, and attitude towards English as a foreign language (EFL) in general. The case-instruction appeared to help Egyptian students. A positive trend included an increase in student-centered responses, increased tolerance toward students, and a more problem-oriented way of thinking. As an opportunity to introduce case-based education in Egypt, this study demonstrated the feasibility of implementing such a curriculum into other languages than English. In addition, further research might provide the opportunity to enrich the curriculum of non-education major teachers of English. |
