Abstract

PBL-An approach in medical biochemistry

Author(s): Sasmita Mishra, P.Padmanaban, G.Sarkar

PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING (PBL) is a student-centered method of teaching. Several studies have shown that PBL has at least five advantages over Lecture based learning (LBL) in areas like Structuring of knowledge, Development of an effective clinical reasoning process, Better retention of information, Development of self-directed learning skills, Increasing motivation for learning etc. So we tried to compare both the teaching learning processes (PBL and LBL) in our Institute. We choose the topic Vitamin D. We divided the 1st year MBBS students randomly into two equal groupsA&B. GroupAwas exposed to LBL& group B was exposed to PBL. Pre-tests, Post-tests were taken before and after the session. Recall examwas also taken four weeks later. There were significant difference in post-test and recall exam marks of both the groups (p<0.0001).We suggest that PBL is definitely a better process of learning for selected topics.