Indian medical students’ perspectives on problem-based learning experiences in the undergraduate curriculum: One size does not fit all

Nanda Bijli,Manjunatha Shankarappa

doi:10.3352/jeehp.2013.10.11

Abstract

Purpose:Problem-based learning (PBL) is a well-established method for facilitating the learning of basic science concepts in the context of clinical cases. Relevant evidence is lacking regarding PBL’s effectiveness and acceptability as perceived by students accustomed to classical traditional teaching in India. Hence, this study gathered students’ opinions on PBL versus Traditional teaching methods to generate a foundation for institutional policymaking and ultimately, changes in the policy of regulatory bodies.Methods:A total of 773 first year medical students admitted from 2007-2010 in Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal University, India were asked to respond to a 15-item questionnaire evaluating their preferences for PBL or traditional methods such as lectures after undergoing a systematically conducted PBL session in physiology. Their responses were analyzed with an unpaired t-test. Their comments were also collected.Results:PBL scored significantly higher for most items in the questionnaire for “learning efficiency” and “student-teacher relationship”. The students’ comments highlighted the importance of a trained tutor/facilitator to enhance the learning process.Conclusion:Our students are willing to adapt to the PBL method, although they recognize certain benefits of traditional pedagogy. For learning efficiency and the student-teacher relationship, the students feel that neither method holds an advantage. We recommend that the future medical curriculum in India be a hybrid form of PBL and traditional methods with specific training on the unfamiliar PBL approach for both faculty and students.

Highlights

In many developing countries such as India, the undergraduate medical curriculum is still divided into pre-clinical and clinical phases, with limited integration
For most of the items, the students rated problem-based learning (PBL) to be better than the traditional method
Qualitative assessment Comments from students captured interesting observations ranging from questioning the “expertise” of teachers in using PBL methods, the environment, and the size of the group, to a sense of ownership and better self-esteem gained after the experience of PBL

Summary

Introduction

In many developing countries such as India, the undergraduate medical curriculum is still divided into pre-clinical and clinical phases, with limited integration. PBL involves the use of clinical problems to motivate students to identify and apply research concepts and information to realistic situations, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively. PBL is student-centered, encouraging students to become more thoughtful problem-solvers. It promotes life-long habits of active learning: the most effective technique for learning, applying, integrating, and retaining information. It is a well-established method of facilitating basic science education intended for clinical application [2,3]. In India, PBL has made forays into several medical schools of repute, which are experimenting with this method as an adjunct to traditional

Methods

Results

Conclusion