title: Incorporating problem-based learning into an obstetrics/gynecology clerkship: impact on student satisfaction and grades.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of the problem-based learning method on student grade and on student and faculty satisfaction.
  
  
  METHODS
  The problem-based learning method was instituted at 2 of 5 obstetrics/gynecology clerkship sites. Students and faculty were surveyed, with the use of a Likert scale, regarding aspects of satisfaction with the clerkship. Responses were compared according to problem-based learning usage. Student performance was also assessed according to problem-based learning usage, with a comparison of several grade components. Statistical analysis involved t-tests and Kendall's tau-C.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For the year that was assessed, 54 of 156 students used the problem-based learning method. Mean student satisfaction responses were significantly higher for students who used the problem-based learning method. Faculty satisfaction was also significantly higher for the problem-based learning method, compared with other teaching methods. Mean scores on the National Board of Medical Examiners subject examination were higher for problem-based learning but did not reach statistical significance. Grade distribution was not significantly different for the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The problem-based learning method was associated with improved student and faculty satisfaction and did not affect student grades negatively.
authors.affiliation: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Sally W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Nalesnik
authors.forename: Jason O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Heaton
authors.forename: Cara H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Olsen
authors.forename: William H J
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Haffner
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Zahn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002982:Clinical Clerkship; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D013337:Students, Medical; D014481:United States