3: Empowering Adult Learners Through Case-Based Instruction: A New Approach to Employability Skills

Case-based instruction (CBI), commonly used in fields such as law, business, and medicine, is less prevalent in adult education and workforce development. This article examines the implementation of CBI in an employability skills orientation course within a workforce training program. As a problem-based instructional strategy, CBI supports the development of transferable soft skills, such as effective communication, by promoting inquiry, problem-solving, and discovery. It engages adult learners in collaborative, meaningful learning and encourages the integration of their life experiences. Grounded in constructivist learning theory, the article aligns CBI with the four stages of Kolb’s experiential learning cycle: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Instructional strategies mapped to each stage are provided to guide practitioners in applying CBI effectively. The article also highlights the value of authentic, profession-specific cases developed in collaboration with subject matter experts to immerse learners in realistic work scenarios. By situating learners in real-life contexts, CBI enables reflection and application of employability skills relevant to their professions. This approach fosters professional competence while connecting learners to the sociocultural dimensions of their chosen career paths