Interactive Sessions; Lectures and Small Group Discussions: A Comparative Study in Subject of Pathology Among Undergraduate Students of Central Park Medical College

Abstract

Statement of novelty:Impact of small group discussions on students' learning abilities. ABSTRACT… Objectives:To compare the perception of students about two different teaching methods in the subject of pathology at Central Park Medical College Lahore. Background: In medical education, it becomes essential to adopt an approach of teaching and learning that is best suited to the undergraduate medical students. Many studies have revealed that small group discussions lead to an improved and active learning as compared to conventional didactic lectures. Hence, new research is required to identify the preferences and needs of the medical students in relation to their daily learning activities. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Central Park Medical Lahore. Materials and methods: Comparative analysis of lectures and SGD was done via a feedback performa which was distributed among third (n=105) and fourth year (n=114) MBBS students during a small group discussion session. The students were explained about the purpose of study and 20 minutes were given to fill the performa. Feedback performa comprised of selecting the preferred method of teaching in subject of Pathology at Central Park Medical Lahore. Results: The study revealed that students were satisfied with the current teaching pattern in pathology. 68.9% of the participants preferred SGDs over lectures as the ideal teaching modality in Pathology. According to 47.9% of the students the appropriate time for a single lecture of Pathology should be 30 minutes. 55.2% of the participants suggested discussion as the most helpful method of teaching during an SGD. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that students preferred SGD as the most helpful method of learning in subject of pathology. SGD of the topics which had been covered in the comprehensive lectures in the same week lead to a better understanding of the topic resulting in an improved and active learning of the students. Key words:Lectures; Small Group Discussion; Teaching Methods; Medical Education Article Citation: Batool H, Mumtaz A, Chughtai AS. Interactive sessions; lectures and small group discussions: a comparative study in subject of pathology among undergraduate students of central park medical college.

Feedback: Different Concepts and Practices in a Culturally Different Learning Environment? Students’ Perceptions

“…It has replaced traditional large group discussions with modular teaching using small groups utilized for contextual learning. 3 All these interactive sessions require feedback to assess participants' learning, to gauge delivery of learning objectives and in turn, fulfilment of mission of the institute.…”