Use of Problem-based Learning (PBL) in Medical Education

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Introduction:

Day after day, the medical education is evolving in many aspects. In order to match this development, this requires changing the traditional methods of learning into a new modern one that embraces the requirements of Knowles' theory of adult learning. This theory states that adults are independent and self-directed, have a great deal of experience, interested in problem-centered approaches and get their learning motivation from internal drives. Moreover, the new way of learning should be student-centered and enable students to obtain knowledge in an accessible, efficient and integrated way.1ASSIGNMENT1

In the 1970s, a new way of learning arose at the medical school of McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. Since then, this learning approach, which is called problem-based learning (PBL), has developed a lot to be similar to what doctors and nurses face of problems in a regular basis.2ASSIGNMENT3-1

Problem-based Learning:

What is problem based learning? As the name suggests, " It is a combination of educational method and philosophy. Philosophically, problem based learning is centered on the student, whereas in subject-based learning teachers transmit knowledge to students before using problems to illustrate it." In other words, it is a learning method that uses a problem to stimulate students, participating in a group discussion, to find their knowledge gaps and then add new information through a method called self-directed learning (SDL) in order to gather again and reach an appropriate diagnosis and management.

According to many studies, "the graduates who advocate problem-based learning have much better interpersonal skills, better competences, self-directed learners, and better in gathering information....

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...ed in the discussion. Meanwhile, they unintentionally neglect their main role.

• The environment was not perfect for the sessions to take place; in the room we had, it was very hot, and light pulps were broken.

• Some students were answering without getting permission, and some were interrupting other students. Chairmen should be better in dealing with these situations.

Conclusion:

PBL has now become a popular approach of learning among medical schools. Because it promotes internal motivation, grows curiosity, develops interpersonal skills, and enables students to judge their and other works, it is more effective than any other learning method, especially in medical schools. For us, although the problems we had are just preparatory for the next few years, unexpectedly, they went very well. We learn, develop critical thinking and learn from our mistakes.

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