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Abstract
Background: The pre-clinical curriculum at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine is a hybrid model that includes small group, problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials and didactic lectures. A structured tutorial format was piloted for the human sexuality/reproduction organ system block for the PBL component. The objective of this study was to compare the acceptability of the structured format and its effectiveness with that of a traditional PBL tutorial.
Methods: Students were surveyed after the renal/endocrinology block of 2004 (traditional tutorial format) and after the human sexuality/reproduction block of 2004 (structured tutorial format) (n = 70). Survey questions covered the quality of learning and of tutorial. Students (n = 132) and tutors (n = 24) who participated in human sexuality/reproduction in 2004 and 2005 were surveyed for attitudes about the structured tutorial overall and specific components. Means of responses were compared using t-tests.
Results: Students indicated that the structured tutorial format supported a greater improvement in their basic science and clinical knowledge and their ability to evaluate information (p < 0.05). The majority of students and tutors recommended the structured format for tutorials in other blocks.
Conclusions: We demonstrated the acceptability of a structured tutorial format to students and faculty. Faculty members perceived greater depth of learning and participation by the students.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Eve Espey
EVE ESPEY, MD MPH is associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New Mexico. She serves as co-chair of the tutorial steering committee, Chair of the Curriculum Committee and clerkship director for the core obstetrics and gynecology clerkship.
Tony Ogburn
TONY OGBURN, MD is associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New Mexico. He serves as the residency program director in obstetrics and gynecology. He is a member of the Curriculum Committee and serves as a tutor in the pre-clinical curriculum.
Summers Kalishman
SUMMERS KALISHMAN, PhD is the Director of the Office of Program Evaluation Education & Research (PEAR) at the University of New Mexico. As Director of PEAR, Dr. Kalishman evaluates educational initiatives in the health professions and coordinates interdisciplinary and community-based projects and grants.
Meggan Zsemlye
MEGGAN ZSEMLYE, MD is assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New Mexico. She serves as the block chair for the Human Sexuality and Reproduction block in the medical student pre-clinical curriculum
Ellen Cosgrove
ELLEN COSGROVE, MD is Professor of Internal Medicine and Senior Associate Dean for Education at the University of New Mexico. She is an Honorary Research Fellow of the University of Tokyo International Research Center for Medical Education.