Case based learning (CBL), a better option to traditional teaching for undergraduate students in curriculum of Paediatrics

Abstract

Background: In present Medical system still using traditional didactic teaching method. This method has the disadvantage of pedagogical variations and information overload causing dissatisfaction to the students. Case based learning (CBL) uses virtual ‘trigger cases’ to create interest in a particular area of curriculum. Learning and remembering the subject is much easier when you link it to ’real life patient cases’ and get genuine feel that for how essential it is to clinical practice. Aims & Objectives: Undergraduate medical students should learn knowledge, attitude and skills in Paediatrics through Case Based Learning.Methods: Undergraduate students were randomly divided into two groups and subjected them to pre-test on Dengue fever. After that those groups were underwent CBL session and Traditional didactic lecture on Dengue fever. Post-test was conducted on the same groups. Results: The pre-test results in the form of average marks of target groups were more or less of similar. Whereas in post-test there was a significance improvement in the average marks secured by the CBL group when compare to traditional didactic lecture group. Conclusions: The present study concludes that the Case Based Learning method creates interest in the student to learn new thing. Learning and remembering the subject is much easier when you link it to real life patient cases and get genuine feel that for how essential it is to clinical practice.