title: Impact of alterations in teaching methodologies on learning capabilities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the role of new approaches and methods in the development of understanding and learning capabilities of undergraduate medical students in the module of respiratory physiology.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comparative cross sectional study was conducted in Bahria Univiersity Medical & Dental College using a sample size of 198 students from February till May 2010. Difficulties in understanding the concepts of respiratory physiology was analyzed in groups A (Batch 2008-2013) and assessed through test performance. In group B (Batch 2009-2014) "integrated learner-and teacher-centered" approach was implemented by introduction of problem based learning, case based sessions, students seminar, quizzes and structured assignments. Response of group B students was evaluated in terms of concepts and performance by identical feedback form and assessment test. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 and applying the Chi-square test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of Karachi students of Groups A and B was 20 +/- 2 years. Statistically significant improvement in conceptual understanding of Group B (84%) was noticed compared to Group A (42%). Conceptual understanding of Group B (84%) was observed, as compared to Group A (42%)
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Supplementation of teaching methodologies with augmented interaction improved significant learning, performance and satisfaction among group B students.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Bahria University Medical & Dental College, Karachi.
authors.forename: Rehana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rehman
authors.forename: Muhammad Shamaun
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Razi
authors.forename: Sadiqa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Syed
authors.forename: Tipu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sultan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D032882:Comprehension; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D012577:Schools, Medical; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult