CBL as an inductive method of teaching and learning includes trial and error in the classroom, and group discussion is seen as a powerful enhancer of learning (Prince & Felder, 2007). The role for educators who use CBL is to facilitate learning (Schultz-Ross & Kline, 1999) and to assist students to be creative, critical thinkers in an open environment. According to Alexander et al. (2005), the main barrier to implementing CBL is the educator’s hesitance to change practice from a content-driven process to a student-led process. The nature of CBL facilitation is probably the most difficult aspect of CBL to grasp as there is a change of roles from educator to facilitator. The facilitator role is to guide, question and challenge; the concept of ‘not being in control’ is a challenge for some educators. CBL is cooperative learning and a group process. Time needs to be taken to allow for brainstorming and evaluation of group processes. Facilitators must be able to deal with issues as they come up and share their subject/non-subject expertise.
Planning CBL in the classroom setting requires educators to develop learning packages, ensuring that all content and learning outcomes are covered in the curriculum. In the development of learning packages educators consider instructional design; this includes mapping the content, selecting the media, developing the learning package, and ensuring openness to enquiry. As CBL scenarios are developed as an integral part of the learning package, it is important educators work through the CBL scenario, are clear about what background information is required, and ensure learning outcomes will be facilitated in a way that meets the need of the programme and the student.