Knowledge and attitude of clinical students on problem based learning

An intervention study was carried out in Mymensingh Medical College between December 2002 to November 2003 to determine knowledge and attitude of clinical students on problem based learning (PBL) before and after exposure to a PBL course. This is an intervention study. A total of 17 health problems were discussed in the integrated small group tutorials in the departments of Pediatrics and Medicine. Two problems were discussed in a week & each PBL class was lasted for 2 hours. Pretest was done before exposure of the students to the PBL course using self-administered questionnaire and posttest was done immediately after finishing the PBL course. Significance of proportions was calculated by Chi-square (X2) test. PBL course increased knowledge of clinical students on PBL significantly (P < 0.001). Increased number of clinical students also stated that PBL is effective in problem solving (70% before and 97% after the PBL course), and the difference is highly significant (P < 0.001). Increased number of students (about 72% before & 83% after the PBL course) stated that PBL is better than traditional ward teaching (P < 0.01). Majority of our students (about 61% before & 88 % after the PBL course) stated that PBL enhances self-directed learning (P < 0.005). A good number of students (about 63% before & 81% after PBL course) recommended PBL to be included in Undergraduate Medical Curriculum (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that exposure of students to PBL course can improve knowledge, attitude & practice of clinical students significantly. Regular exposure (at least twice a year) of clinical students to symposium centered on PBL is recommended