Instructional tools that promote active, participatory learning are widely recognized as the most effective way to engage trainees, convey knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes.

While case studies are one such tool, there are in fact many other approaches that may be more or less useful depending on the audience, the instructor, or the specific goals for the research ethics instruction. The pages which follow provide a broad overview of a variety tools and approaches to facilitate discussion in the classroom or, in some cases, in the context of the research environment.