title: What are the most important tasks of tutors during the tutorials in hybrid problem-based learning curricula?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In problem-based learning, a tutor, the quality of the problems and group functioning play a central role in stimulating student learning. This study is conducted in a hybrid medical curriculum where problem-based learning is one of the pedagogical approaches. The aim of this study was to examine which tutor tasks are the most important during the tutorial sessions and thus should be promoted in hybrid (and in maybe all) problem-based learning curricula in higher education.
  
  
  METHODS
  A student (N = 333) questionnaire was used to obtain data about the problem-based learning process, combined with the achievement score of the students on a multiple-choice exam. Structural equation modeling was used to test the fit of different models (two existing models and a new simplified model) representing the factors of interest and their relationships, in order to determine which tutor characteristics are the most important in the present study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A new simplified model is presented, which demonstrates that stimulation of active and self-directed learning by tutors enhances the perceived case quality and the perceived group functioning. There was no significant effect between the stimulation of collaborative learning and perceived group functioning. In addition, group functioning was not a significant predictor for achievement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found that stimulating active and self-directed learning are perceived as tutors' most important tasks with regard to perceived case quality and group functioning. It is necessary to train and teach tutors how they can stimulate active and self-directed learning by students.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational Studies, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. Ruth.Boelens@UGent.be.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Boelens
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational Studies, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. Bram.DeWever@UGent.be.
authors.forename: Bram
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: De Wever
authors.affiliation: Department of Data Analysis, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 1, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. Yves.Rosseel@UGent.be.
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Rosseel
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. Alain.Verstraete@UGent.be.
authors.forename: Alain G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Verstraete
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. Anselme.Derese@UGent.be.
authors.forename: Anselme
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Derese
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D012380:Role; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*