Patient-oriented Problem-solving: An Effective Educational Tool for Learning Immunology

Abstract

Background: Medical teaching requires innovative methods through which teachers can provide a student-centered learning environment that improves students' learning through their active participation. The patient-oriented problem-solving (POPS) system is an active learning tool that permits students to work in small groups to solve clinical problem, promotes self-learning, enhances clinical reasoning, and enriches their knowledge, and long-term memory. The aim of the study was to implement POPS session in immunology course and assess the students' perception of the effectiveness of POPS teaching in learning immunology. Methodology: 121 students were divided into small groups of 10 each. The pre-test questions were given to assess their previous knowledge before the POPS activity. Post-test questions were given after the activity to check the effectiveness of POPS session in learning. A questionnaire was also given at the end of the activity to assess the students' perception of POPS activity in learning. The data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Results: Significant improvement in the mean differences between pre-and post-test scores of the students, suggests the effectiveness of POPS teaching activity. A majority of the students (>80%) stated that POPS promotes self-learning, creates interest, enhances conceptualization, empowers critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Conclusion: POPS activity is a good educational method to enhance the learning skills of the medical students.

Application of the Recitation Method to Improve the Competence of the Medical Laboratory Technology Students in Immunology Field

“…All of these methods are proven to have a positive effect on the teaching and learning process but have not increased the activity, creativity, independence, or cooperative ability of the students. There are also Mohan et al (2017) and Zhang et al (2013) who have implemented Patient Oriented Problem solving (POPs) systems in medical students studying immunology. The POPs system is a learning method that allows students to work in small groups to solve clinical problems, support self-learning, and build long-term memory.…”

“…The POPs system is a learning method that allows students to work in small groups to solve clinical problems, support self-learning, and build long-term memory. However, the making of the POPs learning module takes a lot of the teacher's time, who also needs to allocate time to conduct compulsory research and community service activities (Mohan et al, 2017). This may affect the outcome of the activity.…”

Learning out of the box

“…[ 3 ] The rapid progress in modern technology has resulted in a paradigm shift in medical education globally from teacher-centered to learner-centered learning approaches. [ 4 5 6 7 ] Several learner-centered active learning approaches such as problem-based learning (PBL), crossword puzzles, card and board games, role-playing, case-based learning, team-based learning, Kahoot online quizzes, and others have been implemented in curricula by medical educators globally. [ 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ] Literature indicates that these alternative teaching approaches which are student focused are more effectual in promoting students’ interest and enhancing their knowledge as compared to teacher-centered traditional didactic lectures, where students are passive learners.…”