Teaching group dynamics--do we know what we are doing? An approach to evaluation.
BACKGROUND
Research into the efficacy of programs of leadership and group dynamics in undergraduate medical education is sparse.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to apply and test a pre- post evaluation design of a one-week experiential learning based course of group dynamics.


METHODS
Two questionnaires were sent to 160 medical students, before and after the course. The response rate was acceptable (73%).


RESULTS
While there was a small change in attitudes towards openness in their professional role and group dynamics, there was a major change in two subgroups of students to these topics. The students who were least interested in collaborative constructivist learning and those students who mainly looked for practical value were the students who changed their attitudes most towards openness in their professional role.


CONCLUSIONS
It appears that those students who would be least likely to voluntarily attend such a course were the ones who learned the most. This study does not allow for any generalizations regarding the outcome of experiential learning of group dynamics, but it is an argument for the use of systematic evaluations in order to identify students who can benefit from courses aimed at improving profound knowledge.
Bergman
David
D
Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. David.Bergman@ki.se
Savage
Carl
C
Wahlstrom
Rolf
R
Sandahl
Christer
C
D000328:Adult; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden