Evaluation of problem-based learning curriculum implementation in a clerkship rotation of a newly established African medical training institution: lessons from the University of Botswana

oleh: Stephane Tshitenge Tshitenge, Chiratidzo Ellen Ndhlovu, Radiance Ogundipe

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: The Pan African Medical Journal 2017-05-01

Deskripsi

BACKGROUND: problem-based Learning (PBL) curricula, like all curricula, require systematic evaluation as there is a risk of implementing a dysfunctional PBL curriculum. The study intended to evaluate the PBL curriculum delivery from the perspective of the clerkship students at the University of Botswana-Faculty of Medicine. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted among clerkship students in Family Medicine, Paediatrics, Internal Medicine and Surgery. During a 4-week period, each respondent completed weekly a questionnaire based survey tool. The three part questionnaire consisted of demographic data, ''seven-jumps'' adapted from a''typical'' PBL tool to evaluate PBL process and 11 items ''adopted ''from the Short-Questionnaire-to-Evaluate-the-Effectiveness-of-Tutors in the PBL tool to evaluate the PBL facilitation with open ended questions at the end. RESULTS: Of the 81 eligible participants, 89% (n=72) responded. We collected back 141 (49%) forms out of the 288 expected (72 X 4 weeks). PBL first sessions took place all the time only in Family Medicine and in about 75% of the time in Pediatrics but none were conducted in the other disciplines. Overall, they evaluated the PBL process as ''good'' (median= 8 /10) and the PBL facilitation as ''very good'' (median=9 /10). Students appeared to have differing opinions on the preferred approach to the nature of patient problems that the PBL sessions should be structured around. CONCLUSION: despite students rating PBL process as ''good'' and facilitation as''very goo'', PBL first sessions were not consistently undertaken.