Using case-based instruction to increase ethical understanding in engineering: What do we know? What do we need?

Among various approaches, case-based instruction has been the most popular and widely employed method used in engineering ethics instruction. However, there is little empirical research on whether the use of cases is also the most effective teaching method in promoting ethical understanding for engineering students. This paper discusses the types of cases utilized and how they are implemented for educating undergraduate students in engineering disciplines. We then argue that empirical research is needed to examine the impact of case-based instruction on students' ethical understanding and that well-designed experiments can result in greater understanding of this approach and best practice for its use in ethics instruction.