Case-based learning in endocrine physiology: an approach toward self-directed learning and the development of soft skills in medical students

Abstract

The Medical Council of India, in the recent Vision 2015 document, recommended curricular reforms for undergraduates. Case-based learning (CBL) is one method where students are motivated toward self-directed learning and to develop analytic and problem-solving skills. An overview of thyroid physiology was given in a didactic lecture. A paper-based case scenario of multinodular goiter was given to phase I Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students in two sessions. An attitude survey of the students and teachers was done using a Likert scale ranging from strongly disagrees to strongly agree. A pretest and posttest were conducted. The students opined that CBL helped them to better their understanding of a particular topic, gave them better retention of knowledge, helped them to relate clinical conditions to basic sciences, improved soft skills such as communication skills and group dynamics, and promoted a better teacher-student relationship. There was significant improvement in student's performance when pre- and posttest scores were compared (P = 0.018). Furthermore, faculty members opined that CBL promoted self-study and problem-solving abilities of the students. In conclusion, CBL motivates students toward self-directed learning and to develop analytic and problem-solving skills; thus, CBL could be beneficial for students' entry into clinical departments and, finally, in managing patients.

“Evaluation of different teaching modalities for better understanding of subject in first year medical students”

“…But when we compared post test performance of lecture class (Group II) and case based teaching (group I) better performance was seen in Group I, with significance of "p" value <0.05 (table 2).Our results are comparable to other studies as they shown early case based teaching, clinical exposure to specially first year medical students in system like endocrinology is very enjoyable and also they perceived it is valuable [7]. As shown in the other study, CBL motivates students toward selfdirected learning and to develop analytic and problem-solving skills, it will be beneficial for students entry into clinical departments, and it develops soft skills in medical students [8]. A study has shown that case based problem solving has helped students in self directed learning, gave ample of motivation and increased interaction with their batch mates [9].…”

Application of PBL Bilingual Teaching Method in Clinical Probation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics

“…The effectiveness of the teaching methods was evaluated using theoretical examination and questionnaires (Gade & Chari, 2013).…”

Self-directed learning research: An imperative for transforming the educational landscape

“…Despite evidence that case-based teaching seemingly stimulates independence in thinking, pursues learning beyond the explicitly stated expectations and allows students to identify their own learning needs -all aspects associated with self-direction in learning -little is published on the affordances of case-based teaching for self-directed learning. Gade and Chari (2013) are two of a few authors who establish a direct link between case-based teaching and self-directed learning. This served as impetus for us to do research amongst first-year student teachers who were subjected to case-based teaching in one of their modules.…”

“…Case-based learning is described by Gade and Chari (2013:356) as a '… method where students are motivated to learn on their own so as to inculcate the habit of self-learning and integrating knowledge from different subjects to solve problems'. These authors (Gade & Chari 2013) list four reasons for using case-based learning:…”