Introducing problem-based learning in physiology in the conventional Indian medical curriculum.

Background: Problem-based learning (PBL) is a widely acclaimed student-centred learning method. However, there are few reports of its use in the traditional lecture-practical-tutorial model of learning. We used PBL for teaching one module of Physiology to first-year medical undergraduate students who had no prior exposure to PBL.
Methods: One hundred first-year medical undergraduates enrolled in a medical college, which follows the traditional teaching-learning methods, participated in the exercise. The scheduled classes on 'Physiology of the thyroid gland' were converted into a PBL block to be covered over a week. An orientation of the teachers and students to PBL was done, clinical cases selected and tutor guides prepared before the actual PBL week. During the PBL week, students were exposed to small group discussions and Interactive resource sessions, and were given time for self-study. The PBL week concluded with a review session and evaluation of the PBL block using questionnaires.
Results: A comparison of the pre- and post-PBL questionnaire showed a clear preference for PBL over the conventional curriculum for the interactive resource sessions and group discussions. Both students and teachers found PBL rewarding.
Conclusion: Implementation of PBL is feasible even in a traditional set-up despite limited resources, rigid time schedules and little interaction among various disciplines. We hope our experience would encourage other teachers to introduce appropriately modified PBL in their ongoing curriculum.