Comparison of the problem based learning-driven with the traditional didactic-lecture-based curricula.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the Problem-based learning (PBL) with the traditional lecture-based curricula.


METHODS
The single best answer Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) were used to compare performance of the lecture-based curriculum with the PBL medical student groups. The reliability for the MCQs and OSCE was calculated with Kuder-Richardson formula and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. The content validity of the MCQs and OSCE were tested by the Independent Subject Experts (ISE). The Student's t-test for independent samples was used to compare the item difficulty of the MCQs and OSCE's, and the Chi-square test was used to compare the grades between the two student groups.


RESULTS
The PBL students outperformed the old curriculum students in overall grades, theoretical knowledge base (tested with K2 type MCQs) and OSCE. The number of the PBL students with scores between 80-90% (grade B) was significantly (p=0.035) higher while their number with scores between 60 to 69% (grade C) was significantly p=0.001) lower than the old curriculum students. Similarly, the mean MCQ and the OSCE scores of the new curriculum students were significantly higher (p = 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively) than the old curriculum students. Lastly, the old curriculum students found the K2-MCQs to be more (p = 0.001) difficult than the single correct answer (K1 type) MCQs while no such difference was found by the new curriculum students.


CONCLUSIONS
Suitably designed MCQs can be used to tap the higher cognitive knowledge base acquired in the PBL setting.
Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
Muhammad A
MA
Zahid
Department of Psychiatry, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
Ramani
R
Varghese
Assessment Office, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
Ahmed M
AM
Mohammed
Department of Surgery, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
Adel K
AK
Ayed
D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007730:Kuwait; D008297:Male; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013337:Students, Medical
K2 type MCQs; Problem-based learning; curriculum development; curriculum reforms; evaluation; medical students; psychiatry