PBL WRAP UP SESSIONS: AN APPROACH TO ENHANCE GENERIC SKILLS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS

Authors

  • Zubia Razzaq
  • Sadia Ahsin

Abstract

Background: Problem based learning (PBL) tutorials are being used in various medicalschools world wide. Students’ active participation is a must for the success of a teachingprogram. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PBL Wrap-upsessions in an integrated modular medical curriculum in enhancing the generic skills ofmedical students. Methodology: This study was conducted on 100 students of 2nd year MBBSwho had been taking PBL sessions since 1½ years. Each session concluded with a wrap-upsession where students demonstrated their acquired knowledge in the form of PowerPointpresentations, concept maps, skits, models etc. A questionnaire based survey was conductedto find out overall effectiveness of PBL sessions including wrap-up sessions. Thequestionnaire comprised of 15 questions. Students were asked to rate all those sessions on alikert scale of 1 to 5. Results: Student’s responses showed ‘Moderate improvement’ in 8 outof 15 skills like communication with peers and teachers, presentation skills, self confidence,application of acquired knowledge, using internet and other resources and understandinggroup dynamics. Improvement in abilities like problem solving, time management, creativity,motivation in studies and self-directed learning was ‘Minimal’. In addition studentsrecommended continuation of PBL in the same way for future classes. Conclusion: PBL withwrap-up sessions contributed in bringing moderate enhancement of generic learning skills instudents which were not properly addressed in the traditional curriculum and are thereforerecommended for future implementation.Keywords: PBL, learning skills, teaching techniques, Student-centred Classroom,

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Published

2011-06-01