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Journal of Medical Education

Do Experience and Exposure Improve Perception and Outcomes of Problem-based Learning?

Abstract

The objective of our study is to determine if experience or increased exposure to the PBL tutorials would alter perceptions towards PBL. PBL was introduced partially into the Phase l of MBBS curriculum for the first time during the 2000/2001 academic year. This group of students represents the 3rd intake of students into the New Integrated Curriculum. A total of 151 students were divided into 20 PBL tutorial groups of 7-8 students. During the academic year, one PBL case was used each term. As part of the evaluation, a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was utilized to ascertain students' and tutors' perceptions of PBL. The students were asked to respond to statements, which focused on their perceptions of a list of learning out-comes and their tutorial process after each PBL case discussion over the first year. Similarly, the teachers were asked to respond to statements which focused on their perceptions on the students' learning activity as a group and their own experiences as tutors of the groups of students. The mean score for each statement was deter-mined and groups of scores were compared. Comments by tutors and students were analyzed to follow trends of perceptions. A comparison of the mean scores between the three PBL cases for both the students and tutors showed little change in their perception of PBL. However, when the different tutorial groups' scores were compared according to the frequency the tutors have been with the same group, there was a significant improvement in students' perception towards the PBL tutorial and the PBL tutors. Similarly, tutors who facilitated the same group more than once showed improvement in perception of the outcomes of the PBL tutorial and the PBL process. This study indicates that familiarity and rapport between the PBL tutor and the students may help ensure the success of PBL.

First Page

333

Last Page

339

DOI

10.6145/jme.200209_6(3).0008

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