Introducing integrated laboratory classes in a PBL curriculum: impact on student’s learning and satisfaction

BMC Medical Education

Muslim M AlSaadi³  Ali Somily²  Sami Al-Nassar¹  Rana Hasanato²  Samy A Azer⁴ 

[1] Department of Medical Education, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;Department of Pathology, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia;Medical Education and Curriculum Development & Research Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia

关键词: Laboratory procedures;    Impact on learning;    Students’ learning;    Integrated laboratory classes;    Medical education;   

Others  :  1138913
DOI  :  10.1186/1472-6920-13-71

 received in 2012-10-12, accepted in 2013-04-15,  发布年份 2013

【 摘 要 】

Background

With the introduction of integrated problem-based learning (PBL) program in the medical curriculum, there is a need to create laboratory classes that suit students’ learning needs and the changes introduced to the curriculum. This paper outlines the development and implementation of four integrated laboratory classes (ILCs) at King Saud University College of Medicine. It also examines whether core concepts addressed in these classes were learned and retained and how the students perceived the ILCs.

Methods

ILCs are based on enhancing enquiry-based learning, and encouraging students to work on tasks in small groups (apply and integrate knowledge from biochemistry, pathology and microbiology) and conduct a laboratory procedure (practical part). In two of these ILCs, a pretest comprising 15 multiple-choice questions were administrated at the start of the class and an identical posttest was administrated at the end of these classes. Performance of the students in the Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) at the end of the blocks was also evaluated. Students’ perceptions were evaluated using a questionnaire completed at the end of each class.

Results

A total of 247, 252, 238, and 244 students participated in practical classes covering cerebrospinal fluid infection, small intestine, liver function tests and adrenal gland function, respectively. Students got higher scores in posttests compared to pre-test scores in two classes (12.68 ± 2.03 vs 6.58 ± 3.39 and 13.02 ± 2.03 vs 7.43 ± 2.68, respectively). Paired t-test showed that the difference was significant (P < 0.001) in both tests. The mean scores of students in stations dealing with ILCs at the end of the block examinations were not significantly different from the mean scores for other stations not related to ILCs. The questionnaire indicated that most students expressed positive attitude towards working on tasks and applying knowledge learnt. Students also felt that conducting laboratory procedures and interpreting laboratory findings were valuable to their learning.

Conclusions

Given the increase in the posttest scores (short-term retention) and the satisfactory performance of students at the end of block examinations (long-term retention) together with the students’ satisfaction, the study suggests that the core concepts addressed in these classes were learned and retained.

【 授权许可】

   
2013 Azer et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

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