title: Evaluating problem-based learning in a multilingual student population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The University of Natal Medical School in South Africa provides training for a student body composed of two groups: one with English as a first language and the other with an African language as a first language and English as the second. A new methodology was developed to evaluate an innovative course using modified problem-based learning techniques in this heterogeneous environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The learning model proposed required achieving a balance of three components: content, enquiry/learning process and social interaction/group process. A multidimensional system, felt to be consistent with this educational philosophy, was developed using seven different quantitative and qualitative techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  The University of Natal Medical School.
  
  
  METHODS
  First-year multilingual medical students.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results revealed that social interaction was highly successful in reducing barriers between the student groups and between students and facilitators. However, the emphasis on group participation may have overshadowed the enquiry process, leading to superficial discussions of problems and feelings of repetitiveness. During the course students and facilitators expressed concern that the innovative assessments used did not assess the course content adequately. While the group presentations and projects were useful exercises for consolidation and group interaction, they did not enable facilitators to identify struggling students.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outcome of the evaluation stressed the need of achieving an appropriate balance both in the curriculum and assessments of the three components of the learning model, particularly in a setting where student backgrounds and language ability differ. Multidimensional methodology is needed for effective evaluation that promotes critical reflection.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Epidemiologic Research in Southern Africa, Medical Research Council, Natal, South Africa.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seneque
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D019303:Multilingualism; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D013019:South Africa; D013337:Students, Medical