This paper outlines the use of the case method of study at General Motors Institute. The case method is a means of providing a vicarious experience for the student in the real world of engineering. GMI uses cases illustrating the total design process in the basic design course, as well as in the advanced courses involving multidiscipline problems (heat transfer, fluid dynamics, etc.)
The use of the case method offers the student the opportunity to learn by himself while preparing the analysis, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of a given case and to learn from other students during classroom discussion. The student utilizes theory learned in other courses or digs it out of textbooks himself. The student learns to perceive the factors in the situation, to ask relevant questions, to arrive at a decision, and to communicate his position on the problems. In this manner, the classroom becomes a simulation of the working world and prepares the student for the working situation.
Bibliography of case studies is included.