Proposing a framework to plan and implement problem based learning sessions for undergraduate medical students

Abstract

The process of transforming a freshly joined medical student into a competent medical graduate is a complex one. It is an indisputable fact that having good knowledge (cognitive domain) is crucial for better performance in psychomotor and affective domains. In the global vision to improve health-care delivery, it is crucial that medical students are trained in critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered teaching–learning strategy, which ensures the active engagement of learners. As students get an opportunity to perform a literature search or explore different learning resources, they attempt to learn through self-directed learning, and in the process understand the need to be a lifelong learner for a successful clinical practice in future. In conclusion, PBL session is an effective way to inculcate complex cognitive skills among medical students, and thus, it is quite essential that medical colleges should initiate and implement PBL in their settings after proper planning and with the support of the Medical Education Unit.

Keywords

• clinical reasoning
• critical thinking
• medical education
• problem-based learning