Is case based learning (CBL) an effective tool for clinico-biochemical correlation among undergraduate medical students? Perceptive evaluation of students and faculty

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: Aim of this study is to create interest in medical students towards the subject of biochemistry and making them understand the clinical topics in biochemistry better. Objective of this study is to incorporate CBL teaching in “schedule time limit” assigned to teach a topic in biochemistry and assess the perception of student and faculty after teaching them a clinical topic in CBL mode. Materials and Methods: After getting inform written consent total 64 students enrolled for the study. Total 4 days were allotted to teach “Calcium and Iron metabolism” as per curriculum plan of Biochemistry. Didactic lecture was delivered on Tues/Wed /Thu. One CBL module was given to each group students were motivated to do self-directed learning (SDL). On consecutive Monday one student from each group was randomly selected to present the CBL in 10 minutes. Faculty then asked relevant question regarding the topic of CBL and all students were encouraged to respond. Each CBL was thus presented turn wise and faculty guided the discussion as to stream line the thought process of students. Next to presentation and discussion feedback form were distributed and were collected after 5 minutes. Data analysis was done. Result: Majority of students were of opinion that teaching biochemistry in CBL mode is more interesting and more satisfying. They feel more confident and motivated to do SDL. Even faculty were of opinion that student participation was more in CBL mode of teaching. Lesser percentage of faculty felt that extra effort and time required for implementing CBL in routine teaching. Conclusion: Large majority of students found that incorporation of CBL is an interesting approach to learn biochemistry Faculty found that CBL can be introduced for certain selective topics and felt that students will be more oriented towards the subjects. It can be very well incorporated in teaching biochemistry within the specified time limit and can be quite effective as shown in this study. Keyword: Case Based Learning, Biochemistry, Medical Education.