Learning Issues Identified in The PBL Cases

Problem-based learning places a special emphasis on the development of analytical skills in the cognitive process. The small group tutorial is one teaching strategy where this is evident. Thus, it is important to evaluate its outcome. The University of Santo Tomas started the innovative curriculum June 2001. The first module- Man in Health and Disease –was given over 8 weeks to first year medical students. As part of the program evaluation, the students’ learning process as well as their progress were evaluated through assessment of the learning issues they identified during the small group tutorial. Students submitted a list of learning issues at the end of each block (PBL case). They were matched with the original ones listed in the curriculum. Congruence of the students’ learning issues in small group tutorial with the identified competencies in the innovative curriculum was analyzed using Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Pearson’s coefficient and Multiple comparison. Some of the groups were able to get 100% of the learning issues. More than half had additional learning issues in 4 out of the 7 blocks (PBL cases). The findings of this study will help us in the refinement of the case problems in subsequent years, give feedback to student regarding their progress and making sure that learning is achieved.