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Students' assessment of problems in a problem-based learning pharmacology course
Y Marin-Campos1, L Mendoza-Morales, J A Navarro-Hernández
1Dept. de Farmacologia, Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Universitaria, Edificio D Primer Piso, Delegacion Coyoacan, 04510, Mexico. ymarin@servidor.unam.mx
Advances in Health Sciences Education : Theory and Practice
|December 8, 2004
Summary
Problem-based learning in medical education helps students build knowledge, but assessment needs more focus. This study found students engaged in knowledge elaboration but struggled with data analysis problems and time constraints.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Pharmacology Education
Background:
- Problem-based learning (PBL) is a key pedagogical approach in medical education.
- While PBL problem design receives attention, assessment of PBL effectiveness is less emphasized.
- Assessing PBL problems evaluates their alignment with intended learning outcomes and theoretical underpinnings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if PBL problems facilitated expected learning activities in medical students.
- To assess the suitability of the learning conditions for PBL.
- To determine the structural quality of PBL problems.
Main Methods:
- Second-year medical students in a PBL pharmacology course completed questionnaires.
- Students assessed problems based on their learning activities, working conditions, and problem structure.
- The study focused on student perceptions of PBL effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Students engaged in knowledge elaboration and prior knowledge activation when working with PBL problems.
- Students reported post-problem-solving doubts, potentially due to prior knowledge gaps.
- Problems requiring analysis of experimental data tables/charts were least preferred.
- Students found time insufficient for information gathering, preparation, and studying other subjects.
Conclusions:
- PBL problem assessment provides valuable feedback for curriculum designers and the educational process.
- Student involvement in assessment aligns with a student-centered educational philosophy.
- Addressing prior knowledge deficiencies and optimizing problem design, especially data analysis tasks, can enhance PBL effectiveness.