title: Students' perception of a modified form of PBL using concept mapping.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Problem-based learning (PBL) and concept mapping have been shown to promote active and meaningful learning.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To design a method of PBL that includes concept mapping and examine students' perceptions of this form of PBL.
  
  
  METHODS
  We designed a 5-phase method of PBL which produced three clearly identifiable mapping phases that reflected the learning activities during the tutorial: (1) the initial understanding of the clinical problem, (2) students' prior knowledge of the problem, (3) the final understanding of the problem following self-directed study. The process of developing the second and third phases of the map involved the students answering questions that they generated on two occasions to give the entire process a 5-phase approach. Each student was exposed to both methods of PBL: a conventional 7-step method (Maastricht type) and the modified PBL (5-phase) method. We used a questionnaire to evaluate the students' perceptions of the two methods in four learning domains.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The students' ratings for the 5-phase method were significantly higher than for the 7-step method (paired t-test) on all items on the questionnaire.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The students perceived the 5-phase method as promoting their passion for learning, and developing their cognitive, metacognitive and interpersonal skills.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. Jonas.Addae@sta.uwi.edu
authors.forename: Jonas Innies
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Addae
authors.forename: Jacqueline I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carrington
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*