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Problem Based Learning (PBL) - An Effective Approach to Improve Learning Outcomes in Medical Teaching
2896-2897
Correspondence
Dr. Ashish Ahuja,
Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
Phone: 98150-10524, E-mail: dr_ashish_ahuja@dmch.edu
Introduction: As the “Science of Medicine” is getting advanced day-by-day, need for better pedagogies & learning techniques are imperative. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is an effective way of delivering medical education in a coherent, integrated & focused manner. It has several advantages over conventional and age-old teaching methods of routine. It is based on principles of adult learning theory, including student’s motivation, encouragement to set goals, think critically about decision making in day-to-day operations. Above all these, it stimulates challenge acceptance and learning curiosity among students and creates pragmatic educational program.
Aim and objectives: To measure the effectiveness of the “Problem Based Learning” as compared to conventional theory/didactic lectures based learning.
Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 72 medical students from Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. Two modules of problem based sessions designed and delivered. Pre & Post-test score’s scientific statistical analysis was done. Student feed-back received based on questionnaire in the five-point Likert scale format.
Results: Significant improvement in overall performance observed. Feedback revealed majority agreement that “Problem-based learning” helped them create interest (88.8 %), better understanding (86%) & promotes self-directed subject learning (91.6 %). Substantial improvement in the post-test scores clearly reveals acceptance of PBL over conventional learning.
Conclusion: PBL ensures better practical learning, ability to create interest, subject understanding. It is a modern-day educational strategy, an effective tool to objectively improve the knowledge acquisition in Medical Teaching.