Improving PBLs in the International Medical University: defining the ‘good’ PBL facilitator

Abstract

Students’ perception of the role and characteristics of a good problem-based learning (PBL) facilitator were assessed in the same study in which students were exposed to the ‘Flying a Kite Approach’ to PBL. A pre-tested anonymous questionnaire addressed the good qualities of a facilitator as well as the negative aspects. Although faculty and students’ perceptions of ‘good ‘and ‘bad’ attributes generally agreed, it is clear that students still prefer facilitators who talk more, i.e. explain unclear facts or correct them when their facts are wrong. Content experts are also preferred over non-content experts.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hla Yee Yee

HLA YEE YEE is an Associate Professor in the Human Biology Section of the International Medical University and is the Acting Head of the Medical Education & Research Unit (MERU).

Ammu Radhakrishnan

AMMU RADHAKRISHNAN is an Associate Professor in the Pathology Section of the IMU, and a former Acting Head of MERU.

Gnanajothy Ponnudurai

GNANAJOTHY PONNUDURAI is a Senior Lecturer in the Human Biology section of the IMU.