A Comparative Analysis of Self-Directed Learning and the Jigsaw Method in Medical Physiology Education

Active learning strategies have become increasingly prominent in medical education. Among them, self-directed learning (SDL) and the Jigsaw method aim to enhance student engagement and improve knowledge retention. However, direct comparisons of these strategies within physiology education remain limited, particularly in the Indian context.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of SDL and the Jigsaw method on selected physiology topics among first-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students.

We conducted a quasi-experimental crossover study at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, India, between February and March 2025. First-year MBBS students participated in both SDL and Jigsaw sessions covering two different topics. In Phase 1, students from Batch A engaged in SDL, while Batch B employed the Jigsaw method to learn about ascending tracts. In Phase 2, the methods were reversed: Batch A used the Jigsaw approach, and Batch B engaged in SDL to study sleep physiology. Each session lasted 150 minutes. Knowledge gain was assessed using presession and postsession multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests. Students' perceptions regarding their learning experience, engagement, autonomy, and knowledge retention were measured using a validated 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis, with a p value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

A total of 88 students underwent crossover. Both SDL and Jigsaw sessions significantly improved posttest MCQ scores compared to pretest scores. The two methods showed no significant difference in the overall pretest and posttest scores. However, students rated the Jigsaw method higher than SDL for overall experience (median 4.5 vs. 3.5; p < 0.001), engagement (4.7 vs. 4; p < 0.001), and knowledge retention (4.3 vs. 4; p < 0.001). Autonomy scores did not differ significantly (4.5 vs. 4.5; p = 0.16). A majority (69.3%) preferred the Jigsaw approach over SDL.

Both the SDL and Jigsaw methods effectively enhance learning outcomes in selected physiology topics among first-year MBBS students. However, the Jigsaw method demonstrates superior overall experience, student engagement, and perceived knowledge acquisition and retention.