INTERACTIVE SESSIONS;

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the perception of students about two different teachingmethods in the subject of pathology at Central Park Medical College Lahore. Background:In medical education, it becomes essential to adopt an approach of teaching and learningthat is best suited to the undergraduate medical students. Many studies have revealed thatsmall group discussions lead to an improved and active learning as compared to conventionaldidactic lectures. Hence, new research is required to identify the preferences and needs of themedical students in relation to their daily learning activities. Study Design: Cross sectionalstudy. Setting: Central Park Medical Lahore. Materials and methods: Comparative analysisof lectures and SGD was done via a feedback performa which was distributed among third(n=105) and fourth year (n=114) MBBS students during a small group discussion session.The students were explained about the purpose of study and 20 minutes were given to fillthe performa. Feedback performa comprised of selecting the preferred method of teaching insubject of Pathology at Central Park Medical Lahore. Results: The study revealed that studentswere satisfied with the current teaching pattern in pathology. 68.9% of the participants preferredSGDs over lectures as the ideal teaching modality in Pathology. According to 47.9% of thestudents the appropriate time for a single lecture of Pathology should be 30 minutes. 55.2%of the participants suggested discussion as the most helpful method of teaching during anSGD. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that students preferred SGD as the mosthelpful method of learning in subject of pathology. SGD of the topics which had been coveredin the comprehensive lectures in the same week lead to a better understanding of the topicresulting in an improved and active learning of the students.