The evolution of Burma's much-needed medical school curriculum for child survival and development is chronicled, including discussion of constraints on and resistance to the curriculum. (MSE)

A study used computer analysis to examine distribution of basic science content in the 53 cases in the problem-based medical curriculum of Rush Medical College (Illinois) and compared it to application of that content by students and faculty. The method of analysis is recommended for reviewing curricula for omissions and redundancy. (Author/MSE)

A study investigated reasoning processes of medical students in schools with different curricular formats, a conventional curriculum with basic science taught before clinical training and a problem-based curriculum with basic science taught in the context of clinical problems. Strengths and weaknesses of each curriculum type emerged. (Author/MSE)

Problem-based learning at the United Arab Emirates University has presented particular challenges. Students, used to a teacher-centered approach, needed more support in taking advantage of active learning and tutorial support than their Western counterparts required. Study guides have become valuable components of the curriculum. Discusses…

A self-help group approach was used to enhance medical students' cooperative skills within an elective course. The task profile envisaged included team building, cooperative information search and problem-solving skills, and providing and receiving constructive feedback. Findings suggest that training for productive cooperative learning is useful…

Understanding the relevance of basic science knowledge in the determination of patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment is critical to good medical practice. One method often used to direct students in the fundamental process of integrating basic science and clinical information is problem-based learning (PBL). The faculty facilitated small…

This study compared the diagnostic performance of 612 second-, third-, fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-year students from three Dutch medical schools who were educated in either a problem-based, an integrative, or a conventional curriculum. The students were presented with 30 carefully selected clinical cases to diagnose. The study found that, overall,…

A method is presented for collecting information about the match between students' learning issues in problem-based learning and teachers' objectives. Subjects were 82 second-year medical students at the University of Limburg in Maastricht (Netherlands) in a problem-based curriculum. During a unit on pregnancy, childbirth, and child development,…

In the course of developing a program evaluation scheme, a study was done of program topics identified as important to problem-based learning (PBL) by faculty and students at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii (Manoa) where a PBL curriculum is used. The study interviewed and surveyed key stakeholders, asking…

A model developed in Australia, designed to increase the reliability and validity of traditional final year examinations for medical students, aims to provide a profile of student performance over a range of defined competence categories. The level of competence is that expected of an intern. (Author/LBH)

A study using problem-based, small-group techniques drawing on adult learning theories suggests this is a feasible approach to continuing medical education. Physicians use current and previous experience in the learning process and integrate new information with peer support, while the teacher facilitates learning and monitors the group process.…

Describes the historical and philosophical base of an approach to teaching and learning known as Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Argues that the adoption of the PBL approach should be carefully considered. Cites problems that have occurred in settings using PBL. (DDR)

A study of 40 medical students assessing the effectiveness of problem-based learning (PBL) determined that cognitive measures associated with expert performance can be used to distinguish students who have participated in PBL from their counterparts in terms of knowledge, reasoning, and learning strategies. Includes a case study of an 11-year-old…

Describes problem-based learning at South Africa's University of Transkei (Unitra) medical school, including the curriculum's design and instructional strategies in use. Reports a survey of 20 faculty and 35 students studying to be medical doctors (MBChBs). Results indicated a majority of faculty and students agreed on the effectiveness of the…

A survey of 882 medical school faculty serving as problem-based learning (PBL) tutors found that most felt that PBL and traditional curricula were approximately equally efficient for learning; PBL rated higher in student interest, faculty interest, personal satisfaction, student reasoning, and preparation for clinical rotations; and traditional…