Case-Based Learning for Teaching Statistical Collaboration: Development, application, and evaluation

Case-based learning (CBL) is a highly effective approach in health professions education that remains underutilized in the field of statistics. To promote broader adoption, we have developed realistic cases designed to help learners practice critical thinking and devise appropriate solutions for complex scenarios. These cases, used in our graduate-level statistical collaboration course, incorporate social factors and real-world implications. The first case explores a newly graduated biostatistician navigating the challenges of meeting a client's expectations. The second focuses on a junior biostatistician developing a statistical analysis plan for a client with limited statistical knowledge. The third case, inspired by the development of the American Statistical Association's ethical guidelines, deliberates their need. Both training materials and fully developed cases are provided. We also discuss strategies for educators to create and facilitate similar cases. By engaging students in thoughtful consideration of these scenarios within a safe, structured environment, we encourage them to examine their assumptions and conclusions. This preparation equips them for real-world roles as consultants and team scientists. Additionally, student feedback from course evaluations and surveys indicates strong support for CBL, with the majority recommending its use in similar educational contexts.

案例式学习（Case-based Learning，CBL）是卫生职业教育中极具实效的教学方法，但在统计学领域仍未得到充分应用。为推动该方法的更广泛推广，我们开发了一系列贴合实际的案例，旨在帮助学习者锻炼批判性思维，并为复杂场景制定恰当的解决方案。这些案例已应用于我们的研究生层级统计协作课程，融入了社会影响因素与现实应用价值。首个案例聚焦于一名应届生物统计师应对满足客户预期过程中面临的各项挑战；第二个案例围绕一名初级生物统计师展开，其需为统计学知识储备有限的客户制定统计分析方案；第三个案例的灵感源自美国统计协会（American Statistical Association，ASA）伦理指南的制定进程，探讨了该指南的必要性。我们同时提供配套教学材料与完整成型的案例。此外，本文还探讨了教育工作者开发与组织实施同类案例的相关策略。通过让学生在安全且结构化的环境中深入思考这些场景，我们引导他们审视自身的假设与结论，此类训练可为他们未来担任咨询顾问与团队科学家的现实岗位做好充分准备。另外，课程评估与问卷调查收集的学生反馈显示，学习者对案例式学习（CBL）给予了高度认可，绝大多数受访者推荐在同类教育场景中推广该方法。