Incorporating problem-based learning into an obstetrics/gynecology clerkship: impact on student satisfaction and grades.
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.
Nalesnik
Sally W
SW
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Heaton
Jason O
JO
Olsen
Cara H
CH
Haffner
William H J
WH
Zahn
Christopher M
CM
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