title: Changes of Epistemological Beliefs and Self-regulated Learning in Problem-based Learning.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Epistemological beliefs (EBs) are fundamental assumptions about the nature of knowledge and learning. Self-regulation (SR) is the ability and willingness to effectively use and monitor cognitive strategies. Problem-based learning (PBL) emphasizes meaningful learning through solving ill-structured problems. PBL, as a constructivist learning environment, affects students' epistemological beliefs (EBs) and self-regulation learning (SRL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in EBs and SRL between pre- and post-PBL.
  
  
  METHODS
  The subjects were 123 third-year medical students who attended Chonnam National University Medical School (CNUMS), Korea. Participants had to fill out a questionnaire concerning epistemological beliefs and self-regulated learning before and after PBL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students' EBs about rigid learning was positively changed; however, certainty of knowledge and speed of knowledge acquisition were negatively changed after PBL. Students' SRL related to self-efficacy and self-regulation was significantly improved in PBL. There was no significant change with regard to internal value, cognitive strategy, and anxiety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EBs on certainty of knowledge and speed of knowledge acquisition were negatively changed after PBL. This result may be due to other leaning environments besides PBL i.e., the lecture-based objective learning environment of medical school. It is suggested that partial PBL cannot fully change students' EBs to higher levels. Students' SR about self-efficacy and self-regulation was significantly improved in PBL. The characteristics of PBL: small-group discussion and co-operative team activity, as well as students-centered learning environments, facilitate self-efficacy, and self-regulation.
authors: Department of Preventive Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
authors: Jung Ae
authors: JA
authors: Rhee
authors: Department of Medical Education, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
authors: Eun Kyung
authors: EK
authors: Chung
authors: The Brain Korea 21 Project, Center for Biomedical Resourcesat Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea.
authors: Sun A
authors: SA
authors: Oh
authors: Department of Medical Education, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
authors: Yung Hong
authors: YH
authors: Baik
authors: Department of Medical Education, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
authors: Young Jong
authors: YJ
authors: Woo
keywords: Epistemological belief; Problem-based learning; Self-regulated learning