Case method for the learning of Forensic Entomology

Abstract

This study aimed to present a didactic proposal based on the case method for the learning of forensic entomology. This discipline intends to establish a death data, thus, the Tanatology and Forensic Anthropology of the Diploma course in Forensic and Forensic Sciences of the Universidad José Antonio Páez becomes highly important. The course allows students to determine a death data through the study of the entomofauna of forensic interest. The methodology was framed in a non-experimental, descriptive transactional design. The population was made up by 24 participants from the Diploma course, cohort IX-December 2015. A case where the students had to determine the death data, and to justify their conclusions in small groups was designed. Through observations it was evident that the groups achieved the expected results, establishing the minimum Postmortem interval in a lapse of six days, concluding that the fly approached the body on 12/06/2015 between 1 and 2 pm. It was concluded also that the analytical skills to identify the problem, the decision making in proposing solutions, both written and oral skills, defending and arguing their conclusions, acknowledging their errors and weaknesses; supported by a collaborative learning.

Key words: Death data, learning strategy, insects.