title: Case-based learning in pharmacology: Moving from teaching to learning.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The knowledge of pharmacology is an important necessity for the prevention and treatment of diseases. The study aimed to find out the beneficial effects of case-based learning (CBL) compare to didactic lecture in pharmacology and to evaluate the perceptions of students regarding the CBL.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 68 students took part in the study and were randomly assigned to two equal groups: Group 1 (CBL group) and Group 2 (lecture group). Cases, test items, students feedback questionnaires were developed and peer viewed by experts. Group 1 underwent the CBL and the same topics were handled as a didactic lecture in Group 2 concurrently. Written tests were conducted after completion of each session and the perceptions of students were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Group 1 showed significantly increased (P < 0.001) test score in knowledge-based and critical thinking (clinical application) as compared to Group 2. The perceptions of students were quite positive regarding the CBL as a majority revealed that they has better understanding of concepts (82.35%), self-learning approach (91.17%), critical thinking with integration clinical subjects (97.05%), and active participation in discussion (76.47%) as well as interest in subject (88.24%) through the CBL process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-learning approach, critical thinking with the integration of subject, and arousal of interest in the subject were positive effects of CBL in the teaching of concepts of pharmacology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, GMERS Medical College and General Hospital, Gotri, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Mukeshkumar B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Vora
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Chinmay J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Shah
keywords: Case-based learning; pharmacology; self-learning approach; undergraduate student