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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
10:26
Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
Shifting students and faculty to a PBL curriculum: attitudes changed and lessons learned
P Bernstein1, J Tipping, K Bercovitz
1Department of Behavioural Science, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Students and faculty reported more positive attitudes toward problem-based learning (PBL) after initial exposure. This active learning approach improved teamwork and doctor-patient skills, addressing initial concerns about knowledge gaps.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Curriculum Development
Background:
- University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine introduced a new undergraduate curriculum emphasizing active, self-directed learning.
- The study focused on the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) within this new curriculum.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate student attitude shifts after initial problem-based learning (PBL) experience.
- Describe faculty experiences with PBL implementation.
- Develop guidelines for future PBL integration.
Main Methods:
- Administered pre- and post-session questionnaires to 250 second-year medical students and 15 faculty tutors over five weeks.
- Utilized multivariate analysis of variance and univariate tests for quantitative data analysis.
- Categorized open-ended responses to identify common themes and patterns.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant increase in student agreement that PBL is more effective than traditional methods (38% to 52%).
- Students perceived PBL as superior for teamwork and doctor-patient relationships, while traditional methods were favored for knowledge acquisition.
- Initial student and faculty concerns about knowledge gaps and time efficiency decreased post-PBL, with increased positive comments regarding stimulation and learning to learn.
Conclusions:
- Direct experience with PBL fostered more favorable attitudes among both students and faculty.
- Recommendations are provided for institutions considering PBL curriculum implementation.
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