title: Case-based learning: What traditional curricula fail to teach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Case-based learning seeks to contextualize learning and to enhance the transition of nurses to practice. This instructional approach is gaining widespread interest in nursing education since the unfolding process emulates the work environment. Case-based learning holds great promise to the development of professional skills. An assumption that was worth researching to determine what those skills are.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed at exploring perceptions of nursing students who had completed two undergraduate nursing courses using case-based learning to be able to identify professional skills that may be gained by this instructional approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  The qualitative focus group research technique was used to explore the perceptions of 16 nursing students who used CBL in two adult health nursing courses in the junior year of an undergraduate nursing program in Beirut, Lebanon. The sample was divided into three groups of four to six students each.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thematic analysis using cross-group analysis and inductive constant comparison.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The analyzed data converged on three learning practices that were developed by the case study approach: (a) recognizing the particulars of a clinical situation, (b) making sense of patient data and informing decisions, and (c) reflection. In-depth analysis of these practices helped unravel four professional attributes that form the tenets of case-based learning: (1) a salience of clinical knowledge, (2) multiple ways of thinking, (3) professional self-concept, and (4) professional caring.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Since professional skills are developmental in nature, educational programs may play an active role in the skill acquisition process. In search of those ineffable skills, four professional attributes emerged from the study findings. Findings support concerns of higher education regarding the ability of the traditional curriculum to meet the expectations of employers at the workplace.
authors.affiliation: Rafic Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh 1107 2020, PO Box 11 0236, Beirut, Lebanon. Electronic address: la67@aub.edu.lb.
authors.forename: Lina D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Kantar
authors.affiliation: Rafic Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Massouh
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Case-based learning; Integrative teaching; Nursing curriculum; Professional skills; Student-centered