Use of a programmed, self-instructional text to teach psychiatry to freshman medical students

A self-instructional learning system including a text, videotape cassettes, and a test book was used as the core of freshmen psychiatry at the Texas Tech University School of Medicine. The 52 hours previously taken up by lectures were used for small group discussions and exploring the doctor-patient relationship. Three fourths of the 43 students polled found the text to be adequate and easy to use and more useful than lectures, handouts, and small group discussions.