Comparison of tutored group with tutorless group in problem-based mixed learning sessions: a randomized cross-matched study

BMC Medical Education

Yoshitaka Fukuzawa³  Chikako Inoue¹  Koji Tsunekawa²  Shogo Hayashi³ 

[1] Aichi Medical University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan;Department of Pharmacology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan;Medical Education Center, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan

关键词: Learning strategy;    Large class;    Curriculum;    Tutorless group;    Problem-based learning;   

Others  :  1135773
DOI  :  10.1186/1472-6920-13-158

 received in 2013-01-16, accepted in 2013-11-15,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Background

Problem-based learning (PBL) involves discussions among students who resolve loosely-structured problems to facilitate learning. In the PBL curriculum, faculty tutors are employed as facilitators for small groups of students. Because of lack of time and staff shortage, the effectiveness of tutorless PBL has been discussed as an alternate option.

Methods

Sessions in which tutored and tutorless PBL groups are mixed were presented by 1^st-year medical students, who experienced both tutored and tutorless groups alternately in the two sessions of a year. To examine the effectiveness of tutored and tutorless PBL, written examination scores (WES) and self-contentment scores (SCS) were statistically analysed.

Results

WES averages did not significantly differ between the tutored and tutorless groups; however, a significantly greater variation was observed in WES in the tutorless group. SCS averages tended to be higher in the tutored PBL than in tutorless PBL groups.

Conclusions

Students in these tutorless PBL groups performed well in their written examinations, whereas those in the tutored PBL groups, achieved this and reported better self-contentment with their learning experience. Tutorless PBL sessions were considered to be comparable to tutored PBL sessions at least in the early stages.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Hayashi et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

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