Exploring expert instructors’ conceptualization and teaching practices in asynchronous online discussions during case-based learning: a multiple case study

The purpose of this multiple-case study was to investigate how expert instructors in case-based learning (CBL) conceptualize, structure, facilitate, and assess asynchronous online discussions while addressing challenges. Accordingly, we first interviewed three expert instructors with extensive teaching experience using CBL in higher education in online learning environments and then observed their online courses. Results indicated that (a) how instructors conceptualize case discussions may relate to different conceptualizations of their instructor role, (b) instructors typically clustered facilitation strategies creating posts that included content expertise, social congruence, and cognitive congruence, but how these strategies were implemented differed across instructors, and (c) instructors differentiated solutions to challenges associated with observed difficulties on the instructor and student side. Implications for practice and research are provided.