PBL from the Facilitators’ Perspectives.

• Main Authors: Chulalak Rueangnarong, Assadaporn Klaewthanong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Prince of Songkla University 2016-02-01
• Series: Journal of Health Science and Medical Research (JHSMR)
• Subjects: facilitator; perception; problem-based learning
• Online Access: https://www.jhsmr.org/index.php/jhsmr/article/view/136

Objective: This study aimed to determine the perception of facilitators in problem-based learning in the pre-clinical years at Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University in the year of 2013.  Material and Methods: The sample comprised of faciltitators from Faculty of Science and Faculty of Medicine who had over 5 years of PBL’s experiences. About 16 facilitators from preclinical and clinical departments participated in this study. The stratified sampling and simple random sampling methods were used to select the samples. A focus group was conducted as a data collection strategy. The obtained data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed by using a qualitative content analysis approach. Results: Facilitators perceived PBL as an active learning method for medical students. It also showed positive intention of facilitators to continue PBL program as it is a distinctive feature of the Faculty’s innovative learning method. While difficulties of PBL concerning facilitators tended to comprise of variation of facilitators’ performance in small group activities and deep understanding of PBL philosophy which may lead to lack of the essence of PBL learning process and the success of the program. Conclusion: The study suggested that continuous training facilitator’s skill, standardization of facilitator’s roles and making understanding about PBL learning process seemed to be necessary and closely related factors for effectiveness of the program.