I recently used this case in two sections of my non-major university course titled “Biology for Living.” This was my first attempt at using or incorporating a case study into my courses.

The students seemed very receptive to the idea. After I gave them part one of the study, they asked lots of questions about the fish. It got them very interested. Most (if not all) had never heard of the coelacanth.

I added to the pictures by pulling up photos of coelacanths on the computer and projecting them for the students to see during each part.

I followed up the case with a homework assignment. They had to report on recent research or happenings with regard to the coelacanth fish.

I plan to use more case studies in my courses.

Comments submitted 03/20/2006 by:

Shannon McNew
Department of Biology
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO
smcnew@semo.edu