title: Problem Based Learning (PBL) - An Effective Approach to Improve Learning Outcomes in Medical Teaching.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As the "Science of Medicine" is getting advanced day-by-day, need for better pedagogies & learning techniques are imperative. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is an effective way of delivering medical education in a coherent, integrated & focused manner. It has several advantages over conventional and age-old teaching methods of routine. It is based on principles of adult learning theory, including student's motivation, encouragement to set goals, think critically about decision making in day-to-day operations. Above all these, it stimulates challenge acceptance and learning curiosity among students and creates pragmatic educational program.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To measure the effectiveness of the "Problem Based Learning" as compared to conventional theory/didactic lectures based learning.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted on 72 medical students from Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana. Two modules of problem based sessions designed and delivered. Pre & Post-test score's scientific statistical analysis was done. Student feed-back received based on questionnaire in the five-point Likert scale format.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant improvement in overall performance observed. Feedback revealed majority agreement that "Problem-based learning" helped them create interest (88.8 %), better understanding (86%) & promotes self-directed subject learning (91.6 %). Substantial improvement in the post-test scores clearly reveals acceptance of PBL over conventional learning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PBL ensures better practical learning, ability to create interest, subject understanding. It is a modern-day educational strategy, an effective tool to objectively improve the knowledge acquisition in Medical Teaching.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Pathology, Dr Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre , Nashik- 42003, India .
authors.forename: Bajaj
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Preeti
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital , Ludhiana, Punjab, India .
authors.forename: Ahuja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ashish
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Dr Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre , Nashik- 42003, India .
authors.forename: Gosavi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shriram
keywords: Medical Education; Modern Vs. Conventional Teaching