Should Problem based Learning be Included in Teaching Physiology along with Traditional Method of Learning? A Student's Perception

Aim To evaluate students’ perceptions about the role of Problem Based Learning(PBL) in Hybrid curriculum. Background Problem Based Learning is an approach which has more leaning towards student centered pedagogy. The general consensus is that PBL inculcate self directed learning which help them in learning core concept, improves communication skill, formulation of their own learning objectives and team work. Particularly in basic sciences the triggers which are used in PBl gives the students prior idea of the clinical relevance of the topic and this act as a great impetus for the student towards self directed learning. Material and Method This questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, IGIMS, Patna. 98 Medical students from first professional MBBS were inducted in the study. Questionnaire consisted of 15 items and used three point Likert scale as “disagree, ” “neutral, ” or “agree, ” to measure students’ perception of Problem Based Learning effectiveness. Questionnaire judged the perception in the field of quality of learning, ability to inculcate team work, confidence, interpersonal communication skill with colleague as well as seniors and role of facilitators. Result Statement enquiring about the role of PBL in clarifications of doubt, learning from the peers, in overcoming the nervousness and anxiety while speaking in front of class, ability to communicate more effectively, better understanding of the applied aspect and in ability to develop acute clinical acumen, we got a positive(agree) response which was well above ninety percent. For the rest of the statement the answer had a stronger leaning towards agree and the mean percentage for them was hovering around eighty five percent. Conclusion The student's perception is strongly in favor of PBL. According to them PBL will help them to excel in all the aspect of Blooms taxonomy.