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Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
Is running a problem-based learning curriculum more expensive than a traditional Subject-Based Curriculum?
1University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. profhossamhamdy@gmail.com
Medical Teacher
|August 23, 2011
Summary
Problem-based learning (PBL) curricula do not increase faculty numbers or educational time compared to traditional subject-based curricula. Both models show similar costs, but PBL offers broader faculty engagement.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Curriculum Development
Background:
- The cost-effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) curricula compared to traditional subject-based curricula is often debated but lacks substantial evidence.
- This study addresses the unsubstantiated claim that PBL is more expensive than traditional curricula.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify faculty educational activities (FEA) in a PBL curriculum.
- To calculate the cost of FEA in PBL, considering faculty numbers and time.
- To compare the costs and faculty engagement of PBL with a traditional subject-based curriculum.
Main Methods:
- A structured questionnaire was developed using a Delphi method with focus group discussions to identify FEA and ensure validity.
- A hypothetical model was created to compare costs under a traditional subject-based curriculum framework within the University of Sharjah's regulations.
- Faculty educational activities and time commitment were analyzed for both curriculum models.
Main Results:
- Twenty-three faculty members, equivalent to 19.5 full-time equivalents (FTEs), participated.
- Five major domains and 26 sub-domains of FEA were identified.
- The hypothetical subject-based curriculum would require 19 FTEs, with average FEA hours per faculty per student being 17.41 for PBL and 17.85 for the subject-based curriculum.
Conclusions:
- Problem-based learning curricula do not necessitate an increase in faculty numbers.
- Faculty time commitment for educational activities is comparable between PBL and traditional subject-based curricula.
- While costs are similar, PBL fosters broader educational roles and greater faculty engagement compared to traditional models.
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