ERIC Number: EJ1016951
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Dec
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1043-4046
EISSN: N/A
Case-Based Learning in Endocrine Physiology: An Approach toward Self-Directed Learning and the Development of Soft Skills in Medical Students
Gade, Shubhada; Chari, Suresh
Advances in Physiology Education, v37 n4 p356-360 Dec 2013
The Medical Council of India, in the recent "Vision 2015" document, recommended curricular reforms for undergraduates. Case-based learning (CBL) is one method where students are motivated toward self-directed learning and to develop analytic and problem-solving skills. An overview of thyroid physiology was given in a didactic lecture. A paper-based case scenario of multinodular goiter was given to phase I Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students in two sessions. An attitude survey of the students and teachers was done using a Likert scale ranging from strongly disagrees to strongly agree. A pretest and posttest were conducted. The students opined that CBL helped them to better their understanding of a particular topic, gave them better retention of knowledge, helped them to relate clinical conditions to basic sciences, improved soft skills such as communication skills and group dynamics, and promoted a better teacher-student relationship. There was significant improvement in student's performance when pre- and posttest scores were compared ("P" = 0.018). Furthermore, faculty members opined that CBL promoted self-study and problem-solving abilities of the students. In conclusion, CBL motivates students toward self-directed learning and to develop analytic and problem solving skills; thus, CBL could be beneficial for students' entry into clinical departments and, finally, in managing patients.
Descriptors: Physiology, Case Method (Teaching Technique), Independent Study, Medical Students, Skill Development, Pretests Posttests, Intervention, Foreign Countries, Student Attitudes, Questionnaires, Instructional Effectiveness, Teaching Methods, Participant Satisfaction
American Physiological Society. 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3991. Tel: 301-634-7164; Fax: 301-634-7241; e-mail: webmaster@the-aps.org; Web site: http://advan.physiology.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: India
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A