Comparison of PBL and simulation educational methods for the acquisition of medical knowledge.

Background: Medical-related curricula often incorporate a variety of small group teaching methods such as simulation and problem-based learning (PBL). Both of these methods offer unique opportunities for acquiring medical knowledge. The purpose of this study was to determine which method simulation...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Respiratory Care Education Annual Vol. 18; pp. 31 - 38
Autores principales: Murphy PW, Engle K, Jorns LJ, Herrington CP, Lindsey LM
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: American Association for Respiratory Care 2009 Fall
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background: Medical-related curricula often incorporate a variety of small group teaching methods such as simulation and problem-based learning (PBL). Both of these methods offer unique opportunities for acquiring medical knowledge. The purpose of this study was to determine which method simulation or problem- based learning is the most effective method for teaching students about organophosphate poisoning. Methods: Two groups of students were presented the same case on organophosphate poisoning utilizing either simulation or problem-based learning as the instructional method. Students were given a pretest and posttest to measure the amount of knowledge gained after instruction. A self-satisfaction survey was used to address learner approval in order to determine the most preferred method for acquiring new material. Data/Results: A total of 113 fourth- year medical students were divided into two groups according to simulation or problem-based learning (PBL) methods of instruction. The simulator group had a significantly higher average posttest score than the PBL group (p<0.01). Eighty-six percent of students in the simulation group agreed or strongly agreed that simulation was a superior method for learning new material as opposed to 71% in the PBL group who agreed or strongly agreed that PBL was the superior method for learning new material. Conclusion: Medical-related programs want to provide the best instruction possible for training future health care professionals. For fourth-year medical students, simulation learning was better than problem-based learning for the acquisition of knowledge regarding organophosphate poisoning.