title: Perceptions of faculty and students regarding Problem Based Learning: A mixed methods study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine perception of faculty and students regarding problem-based learning.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted at Northern Border University, Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from May 21to November 21, 2014. Data was collected on a structured close-ended questionnaire from faculty members. Application of problem-based learning by the faculty was assessed through observations of first such session of medical students. Observations were recorded on a structured checklist. Perceptions of students about learning methodology were determined through focused group discussion which was audio-taped and transcribed. Qualitative data was analysed through content analysis and quantitative data through SPSS 16.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 60 faculty members, 44(73%) took part in the study. Of them, 35(79.5%) were males and 9(20.5) were females. There were 23(52%) assistant professors and 31(70.45%) were trained in problem-based learning. Overall, 22(50%) faculty members thought that it was better than lecture-based learning; and 32(72.7%) stated that they conducted problem-based learning in classic seven jumps. In focus group discussions, students appreciated learning subject content but could not identify other benefits of problem-based learning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Faculty still had to come to terms with application of problem-based learning methodology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University Arar, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Ishtiaq Ali
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University Arar, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Farhan Khashim
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Al-Swailmi
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: PBL, Faculty development, Facilitator, Mixed methods.