title: Opinion of medical students regarding problem based learning.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the process of problem-based learning (PBL) as perceived by the medical students and their opinions regarding the process.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted at Karachi Medical and Dental College. One hundred and four medical students of fourth year MBBS (52 each of batch 2004 and 2005) were selected for their responses and feedback on problem-based learning in small groups. Data was collected through a closed-ended questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy nine percent (82 out of 104) of medical students liked the PBL sessions. Overall 85% of students were motivated towards self learning while liking for PBL was 82%. Activation of prior knowledge was observed by 83% students.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Students supported problem-based learning (PBL) as an effective method of learning. Majority of students were motivated towards self- learning. They were convinced that PBL helped them in building up communication skills, interpersonal relationship and problem solving capacity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health Sciences, Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi.
authors.forename: Farida
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Habib
authors.forename: Lubna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Baig
authors.forename: Farah Asad
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Mansuri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D010154:Pakistan; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012577:Schools, Medical; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*