CASE STUDY APPROACH TO TEACHING AND LEARNING ENGLISH FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES

Abstract

The expression case study implies a wide range of issues presented for analysis, based on actual or simulated events that could logically occur. Besides, it involves profound research of phenomena or events. In medical education and practice, a case study represents an essential diagnostic procedure and investigation method used to create a profound understanding of an intricate problem in its real context. The implementation of the case study approach is of great importance in teaching English for medical purposes because the medical topics presented to students are familiar to them and medical terminology is applied to language learning. The case study is so structured as to serve the communicative function and provides the necessary content. It comprises the most relevant aspects in the field of medicine such as presenting signs and symptoms, performing different types of examinations, treatment, and health care management. The standard problem that needs to be solved is the patient’s problem, and establishing an adequate diagnosis is the goal. In this way, students develop critical thinking and reflective learning, improve organizational skills, as well as the ability to see the complexity of real-world events and understand the perspective of others.  This method has proven to be highly practical preparing students for reality, not theory workplace. In this way integration of language and the professional setting is enabled.