Team-based Learning and the Analytical Skills of Medical Students as a Consequence of Increased Problem Difficulty.

Mustafa N Malik,Shehroz Aslam,Seren Durer,Hafiz M Fazeel,Ceren Durer,Rida Riaz,Muhammad Abdullah Yousaf,Muhammad Abu Zar,Ahmed Ibrahim

doi:10.7759/cureus.4639

Abstract

Problem-based learning is a learner-centered teaching method, which uses real-world scenarios to promote student learning of concepts and principles. The aim of our study is to analyze the consequence of increased problem difficulty on team-based learning and the analytical skills of medical students. In our prospective descriptive study, two problem-based learning scenarios prepared on the topic of hypercortisolism were given to 197 students in two successive sessions. At the end of two sessions, the perceptions of students about team-based learning were documented using a five-point Likert scale on a standardized questionnaire for both scenarios (simple and complex) simultaneously. A written test consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and short essay questions (SEQs) was given at the end of a complex scenario to test the problem-solving skills and retention of knowledge. No statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) was noted in team-based learning between the simple and complex problem-based learning scenario. MCQs and SEQs of C-2 (interpretation) level were attempted well than C-1 (recall) level and C3 (problem-solving) level. In conclusion, the understanding of the problem by the medical students was improved; however, there was no significant improvement in the problem-solving skills and knowledge retention of the students.

Highlights

Problem-based learning is a learner-centered teaching method that uses real-world scenarios to promote student learning of concepts and principles
Problem-based learning scenarios are either simple or complex based on the difficulty level
The aim of our study is to analyze the consequence of increased problem difficulty on team-based learning and the analytical skills of medical students

Summary

Introduction

Problem-based learning is a learner-centered teaching method that uses real-world scenarios to promote student learning of concepts and principles. Problem-based learning scenarios are either simple or complex based on the difficulty level. Owing to the challenging nature of the problems, the development of skills to solve and, in turn, learn from them is crucial for human survival. The concept of problem-based learning was introduced by Howard Barrows at McMaster University in 1969, which was later adopted by various medical schools all over the world either partially or exclusively as part of their core curriculum [2]. How to cite this article Malik M N, Yousaf M, Riaz R, et al (May 10, 2019) Team-based Learning and the Analytical Skills of Medical Students as a Consequence of Increased Problem Difficulty.

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