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Updated: May 22, 2026

Project-Based Learning Guidelines for Health Sciences Students: An Analysis with Data Mining and Qualitative Techniques
Published on: December 9, 2022
An objective structured clinical examination to assess problem-based learning
Francine D Salinitri1, Mary Beth O'Connell, Candice L Garwood
1Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48201-2427, USA. fsalinitri@wayne.edu
Objectives:
To compare pharmacy students' performance on an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to their performance on a written examination for the assessment of problem-based learning (PBL); and to determine students' and faculty members' perceptions of OSCEs for PBL evaluations.
Design:
Four OSCEs were added to the written examination to assess 4 PBL cases in a third-year pharmacotherapy course. OSCE scores were compared to written examination scores. Faculty members evaluated student performance.
Assessment:
OSCE performance did not correlate with the written-examination scores. Most students (≥ 75%) agreed that OSCEs reflected their learning from PBL and measured knowledge, communication, and clinical skills. A majority of faculty members (≥75%) agreed that OSCEs should be part of PBL assessment.
Conclusions:
Addition of an OSCE to written examinations was valued and provided a more comprehensive assessment of the PBL experience.
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