Challenges of Conducting Problem-Based Learning in a Large Class: A Study at Shantou University Medical College in China

One major challenge of developing problem-based learning (PBL) curricula in medical schools in China is to meet the requirements of sufficient qualified PBL tutors. Since 2011, we have developed a modified group teaching approach where an experienced faculty tutor facilitates several small PBL student groups in a large class. Although our study indicates that it was effective for student's learning, we note that several challenges still exist.