Acquisition of knowledge, generic skills and attitudes through problem-based learning: Student perspectives in a hybrid curriculum

Abstract

Objective: To investigate students' perceptions of problem-based learning in the acquisition of relevant knowledge, generic skills and attitudes in a setting where this is a vital component of the medical undergraduate hybrid curriculum.Methods: 464 undergraduate medical students in four consecutive batches (two in the first year and two in the second year of the medicine programme) at Melaka Manipal Medical College were enrolled in this crosssectional study. A pre-validated questionnaire with 15 items classified into three domains addressing acquisition of knowledge, generic skills and attitudes was developed and administered to all students, who responded on a five-point Likert scale.Results: Problem-based learning improved the students' acquisition of knowledge, generic skills and attitudes, with positive correlations (0.451e0.72) between scores in all three domains. Problem-based learning affected not only typical competence in interpersonal and cognitive domains but also more general work-related skills considered important for success in professional practice.Conclusions: Problem-based learning in small groups provided students with a favourable, safe environment for developing the necessary skills and attitudes. This study not only fills a gap but also shows the advantages of problem-based learning as perceived by students in a hybrid medical curriculum.

Tutors’ Experiences and Perceptions of a Problem-based Learning Approach in an ESL Writing Classroom

“…al, 2008) and language skills (Mardziah H. Abdullah & Tan, 2008;Norzaini Azman & Shin, 2012;Othman & Ismail Ahmad Shah, 2013). It also helps students in the acquisition of subject content/knowledge (Hande, Mohammed & Komattil, 2014), life-long learning (Hosseini & Assareh, 2011).…”

Factorial Analysis Perspectives upon Students’ Skills in the Knowledge Economy

“…The current study provides a preliminary insight into the perception of students from a Romanian university about developing generic skills and into their readiness to assume the role of main actors in the learning process. We consider this information valuable as it represents a starting point for the elaboration of any curricula improvement or education strategy (Bedwell et al, 2014;Chan, 2010;Faherty, 2015;Hande et al, 2015;Massaro et al, 2016). Investigating the students' perceptions and their opinions we can better understand their needs and in this way, we can provide more satisfaction by offering more appropriate education services.…”

“…This type of skills may be learnt from other individuals while they are using them in practice (Curtis, 2004). Generic skills are especially important for students' future career because they are considered the most useful in terms of increasing their chances of getting employed for the appropriate job, in the field of their education, motivation and personality traits (Hande, Mohammed, & Komatil, 2015;Vainikainen, Hautamaki, Hotulainen, & Kupiainen, 2015).…”

Undergraduates’ Experiences and Perceptions of a Problem-based Learning Approach in ESL Writing Classroom

“…Previous studies conducted on PBL, in different countries and in various field, have shown its effectiveness in developing students' learning skills. These include acquisition of subject content/knowledge (Hande, Mohammed & Komattil, 2014), life-long learning (Hosseini & Assareh, 2011), critical thinking (Yuan et. al, 2008), problem solving skills (Bigelow, 2004) and language skills (Mardziah H. Abdullah & Tan, 2008;Norzaini Azman & Shin, 2012;Othman & Ismail Ahamad Shah, 2013).…”