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Medical Teacher Volume 35, 2013 - Issue 10
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Research Article

Cracks in problem-based learning: What is your action plan?

Samy A. AzerKing Saud University, Saudi Arabia; SAMY A. AZER, MD, PhD (USyd), MEd (UNSW), FACG, MPH (UNSW), is a Professor of Medical Education and the Head of Curriculum Development and Research Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University. He was the Professor of Medical Education and Chair of Medical Education Research and Development Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. Formerly, he was the Senior Lecturer in Medical Education at the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney. Over the last few years, he has conducted a number of training workshops to students on learning and how to enhance their learning approaches. He is one of the Associate Editors of BMC Medical Education and on the Editorial Board of MedEdWorld, UK.Correspondence[email protected]
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Michelle McleanBond University, Australia; MICHELLE MCLEAN, Professor, Medical Education, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.
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Hirotaka OnishiInternational Research Center for Medical Education, University of Tokyo, Japan; HIROTAKA ONISHI, Assistant Professor, International Research Center for Medical Education, University of Tokyo, Japan. Formerly, he was an Associate Professor at Medical Education and Research Unit, International Medical University, Malaysia.
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Masami TagawaKagoshima University, Japan; MASAMI TAGAWA, MD, PhD, MHPE, is the Director and Professor of the Center for Innovation in Medical and Dental Education, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima, Japan. For the last four years, she has been the Director of Faculty Development Committee of Kagoshima University School of Medicine, and has conducted a variety of training programs, including tutor training and case-creating workshops for faculty, and introductory sessions of PBL tutorials for medical students.
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Albert ScherpbierMaastricht University, the Netherlands; ALBERT J.A. SCHERPBIER, Professor of Medical Education, Dean, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
Pages 806-814 | Published online: 23 Aug 2013
 
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Abstract

Background: Problem-based learning (PBL) as an educational approach has been adopted by medical and health sciences faculties worldwide. Successful implementation of these curricula may, however, end a few years later with several problems reflecting cracks in curriculum maintenance.

Aims: The aim of this article is to discuss these problems, their possible causes and what action can be taken to maintain effective curriculum delivery.

Methods: We reviewed the current literature, recent Association for Medical Education in Europe conferences’ sessions on PBL, explored curriculum design approaches and problems (cracks) identified in PBL programs that may occur a few years after successful implementation. We have also reflected on our collective experience in a number of universities to develop these tips.

Results: Incorporating the methods described, we have developed the following 12 tips: (1) Pay attention to training new staff for PBL, (2) Maintain the briefing/debriefing sessions, (3) Review the PBL material and program in light of the previous year's feedback, (4) Monitor the delivery of the program, (5) Review management of the PBL program, (6) Encourage research and publications in PBL, (7) Ensure that assessment reflects PBL principles, (8) Refrain from adding new lectures to the timetable, (9) Reward contributions to on-going curriculum maintenance, (10) Provide on-going and advanced professional development tutor training, (11) Make explicit (and develop) students’ skills required for PBL and (12) Attend to conflict and group dysfunction.

Conclusions: Being vigilant of possible cracks (erosion) in the PBL curriculum that may occur a few years after successful implementation is mandatory. Erosion of PBL can be minimized or avoided if these tips can be applied.

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