Explore the vast range of titles available.

\"Problem-based learning (PBL) has excited interest among educators around the world for several decades. Among the most notable applications of PBL is the approach taken at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) at Maastricht University, the Netherlands. Starting in 1974 as a medical school, the faculty embarked on the innovative pathway of problem-based learning, trying to establish a medical training program which applied recent insights of education which would be better adapted to the needs of the modem physician. The medical school, currently part of the FHML, can be considered as an 'established' school, where original innovations and educational changes have become part of a routine. The first book to bring this wealth of information together, \"Lessons from Problem-based Learning\" documents those findings and shares the experiences of those involved, to encourage further debate and refinement of problem-based learning in specific applications elsewhere and in general educational discussion and thought. Each chapter provides a description of why and what has been done in the Maastricht program, followed by reflection on the benefits and issues that have arisen for these developments. The final section of the book examines the application of PBL in the future, and how it is likely to develop further\"--Provided by publisher.

Advances in generative artificial intelligence show great potential for improving education. Yet little is known about how this new technology should be used and how effective it can be compared to current best practices. Here we report a randomized, controlled trial measuring college students’ learning and their perceptions when content is presented through an AI-powered tutor compared with an active learning class. The novel design of the custom AI tutor is informed by the same pedagogical best practices as employed in the in-class lessons. We find that students learn significantly more in less time when using the AI tutor, compared with the in-class active learning. They also feel more engaged and more motivated. These findings offer empirical evidence for the efficacy of a widely accessible AI-powered pedagogy in significantly enhancing learning outcomes, presenting a compelling case for its broad adoption in learning environments.

Introduction Artificial intelligence technology has a wide range of application prospects in the field of medical education. The aim of the study was to measure the effectiveness of ChatGPT-assisted problem-based learning (PBL) teaching for urology medical interns in comparison with traditional teaching. Methods A cohort of urology interns was randomly assigned to two groups; one underwent ChatGPT-assisted PBL teaching, while the other received traditional teaching over a period of two weeks. Performance was assessed using theoretical knowledge exams and Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises. Students’ acceptance and satisfaction with the AI-assisted method were evaluated through a survey. Results The scores of the two groups of students who took exams three days after the course ended were significantly higher than their scores before the course. The scores of the PBL-ChatGPT assisted group were significantly higher than those of the traditional teaching group three days after the course ended. The PBL-ChatGPT group showed statistically significant improvements in medical interviewing skills, clinical judgment and overall clinical competence compared to the traditional teaching group. The students gave highly positive feedback on the PBL-ChatGPT teaching method. Conclusion The study suggests that ChatGPT-assisted PBL teaching method can improve the results of theoretical knowledge assessment, and play an important role in improving clinical skills. However, further research is needed to examine the validity and reliability of the information provided by different chat AI systems, and its impact on a larger sample size.

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effect of PBL on problem-solving, self-directed learning, and critical thinking ability of pharmaceutical students through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and meta-analysis of RCTs. In 2021, 57 third-year pharmacy students from China Pharmaceutical University were randomly divided into a PBL group and a lecture-based learning (LBL) group. Mean scores were compared between the two groups for problem-solving, self-directed learning, communication skills, critical thinking, and final exam grades. Students' feedback on the implementation of PBL was also collected. A meta-analysis was subsequently performed. Two authors independently conducted a comprehensive search of two databases (PubMed and CNKI). Eligible studies with effective data were included and the valuable data were extracted for analysis. Quality of involved studies was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. All analyses of statistics were conducted using the 'metafor' package in R software. The PBL group had significantly higher mean scores for problem-solving (8.43±1.56) and self-directed learning (7.39±1.19) than the LBL group (7.02±1.72 and 6.41±1.28, respectively). The PBL group also showed better communication skills (8.86±1.47) than the LBL group (7.68±1.89). The mean level of critical thinking was significantly higher in the PBL group than the LBL group (p = 0.02). The PBL group also had better final exam grades (79.86±1.38) compared to the LBL group (68.1±1.76). Student feedback on PBL implementation was positive. The outcome of subsequent meta-analysis including 8 eligible studies involved 1819 participants showed that the use of PBL significantly improved problem-solving ability (SMD = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.25-1.99) and PBL was also associated with better performance in self-directed learning (SMD = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.64-2.45). However, there was no significant difference in the final exam score in the PBL group compared to the LBL control group (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI = -0.08-0.53). This study found that PBL is an effective teaching method for pharmacy students.

Medical educators strive to improve their curricula to enhance the student learning experience. The use of high-fidelity simulation within basic and clinical medical science subjects has been one of these initiatives. However, there is paucity of evidence on using simulation for teaching pharmacology, especially in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the effectiveness of this teaching modality, relative to more traditional ones, have not been sufficiently investigated. Accordingly, this study compares the effects of high-fidelity simulation, which is designed in alignment with adult and experiential learning theories, and traditional case-based tutorial sessions on the performance and perception of undergraduate Year 2 medical students in pharmacology in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This study employed a convergent mixed methods approach. Forty-nine medical students were randomly assigned to one of two groups during the 16-week pharmacology course. Each group underwent one session delivered via high-fidelity simulation and another via a case-based tutorial. A short multiple-choice question quiz was administered twice (immediately upon completion of the respective sessions and 5 weeks afterwards) to assess knowledge retention. Furthermore, to explore the students' perceptions regarding the two modes of learning delivery (independently and in relation to each other), an evaluation survey was administered following the delivery of each session. Thereafter, the iterative joint display analysis was used to develop a holistic understanding of the effect of high-fidelity simulation in comparison to traditional case-based tutorial sessions on pharmacology learning in the context of the study. There was no statistically significant difference in students' knowledge retention between high-fidelity simulation and case-based tutorial sessions. Yet, students expressed a greater preference for high-fidelity simulation, describing the corresponding sessions as more varied, better at reinforcing learning, and closer to reality. As such, the meta-inferences led to expansion of the overall understanding around students' satisfaction, to both confirmation and expansion of the systemic viewpoint around students' preferences, and lastly to refinement in relation to the perspective around retained knowledge. High-fidelity simulation was found to be as effective as case-based tutorial sessions in terms of students' retention of knowledge. Nonetheless, students demonstrated a greater preference for high-fidelity simulation. The study advocates caution in adapting high-fidelity simulation, where careful appraisal can lend itself to identifying contexts where it is most effective.

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Hybrid and Pure problem-based learning (PBL) in teaching clinical reasoning skills to medical students. The study sample consisted of 99 medical students participating in a clerkship rotation at the Department of General Medicine, Chiba University Hospital. They were randomly assigned to Hybrid PBL (intervention group, n = 52) or Pure PBL group (control group, n = 47). The quantitative outcomes were measured with the students’ perceived competence in PBL, satisfaction with sessions, and self-evaluation of competency in clinical reasoning. The qualitative component consisted of a content analysis on the benefits of learning clinical reasoning using Hybrid PBL. There was no significant difference between intervention and control groups in the five students’ perceived competence and satisfaction with sessions. In two-way repeated measure analysis of variance, self-evaluation of competency in clinical reasoning was significantly improved in the intervention group in \"recalling appropriate differential diagnosis from patient’s chief complaint\" (F(1,97) = 5.295, p = 0.024) and \"practicing the appropriate clinical reasoning process\" (F(1,97) = 4.016, p = 0.038). According to multiple comparisons, the scores of \"recalling appropriate history, physical examination, and tests on clinical hypothesis generation\" (F(1,97) = 6.796, p = 0.011), \"verbalizing and reflecting appropriately on own mistakes,\" (F(1,97) = 4.352, p = 0.040) \"selecting keywords from the whole aspect of the patient,\" (F(1,97) = 5.607, p = 0.020) and \"examining the patient while visualizing his/her daily life\" (F(1,97) = 7.120, p = 0.009) were significantly higher in the control group. In the content analysis, 13 advantage categories of Hybrid PBL were extracted. In the subcategories, \"acquisition of knowledge\" was the most frequent subcategory, followed by \"leading the discussion,\" \"smooth discussion,\" \"getting feedback,\" \"timely feedback,\" and \"supporting the clinical reasoning process.\" Hybrid PBL can help acquire practical knowledge and deepen understanding of clinical reasoning, whereas Pure PBL can improve several important skills such as verbalizing and reflecting on one’s own errors and selecting appropriate keywords from the whole aspect of the patient.

Science process skills (SPS) are vital for enhancing student engagement, critical thinking, and academic achievement in science education. However, Ethiopian secondary schools often rely on traditional, rote-based laboratory methods that hinder SPS development. This study examined the effect of Guided Inquiry-Based Laboratory Experiments enriched Instructional (GIBLEI) approach on improving students’ SPS in biology. GIBLEI promotes active, inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to investigate, hypothesize, experiment, and draw conclusions. By shifting from passive observation to hands-on exploration, GIBLEI addresses limitations of traditional methods, fostering deeper understanding, problem-solving skills, and reducing educational disparities in science classrooms. In this quasi-experimental study, two biology classes from selected schools were randomly assigned to experimental (EG, N = 46) and control groups (CG, N = 29). The EG received GIBLEI-based instruction for eight weeks, focusing on inquiry-based laboratory activities that require students to investigate, hypothesize, and draw conclusions. The CG, meanwhile, received traditional lab instruction with a focus on observation and confirmation of set procedures. Data on SPS development were gathered using essay tests scored with rubrics. Welch’s t-test revealed that post-test SPS scores in the EG were significantly higher than those in the CG, with a large effect size (82%), demonstrating GIBLEI’s effectiveness. ANCOVA further confirmed that the improvement was attributable to the GIBLEI approach rather than initial group differences. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed significant SPS improvement within the EG from pre-test to post-test, underscoring the approach’s effectiveness over time. Additionally, an independent samples t-test indicated no significant gender differences in SPS within the EG, suggesting that GIBLEI benefits both male and female students equally. The findings highlight GIBLEI as a promising tool to foster SPS, supporting its integration into biology curricula to enhance student engagement, skill acquisition, and equal learning outcomes across genders.

We tested for feasibility, acceptance, and “non-inferiority” of small-group teaching applying blended learning (i.e., the integration of face-to-face and online instruction) to problem-based learning (bPbL) compared to conventional PbL (cPbL). In a just pre-pandemic, randomised controlled trial, 317 students attended either bPbL or cPbL groups. The first meeting of the bPbL groups took place online via written internet chat, while cPbL groups met on site. All groups met on site the second time. All students had the opportunity to attend lectures either on site or as videos on demand. We analysed student evaluation data, results in a final summative exam, attendance of lectures on site and use of lecture videos. Furthermore, we performed a qualitative analysis of student statements made in semi-structured group interviews about pros and cons of the bPbL approach. There was no difference between students of either bPbL or cPbL groups with respect to exam results (score: 14.3 ± 2.8 vs. 13.8 ± 2.7) or course evaluation. However, relatively more bPbL than cPbL students reported having used lecture videos, while the proportion of those attending lectures on-site was higher among cPbL students. Interviews revealed that some of the bPbL students’ experiences were unexpected and feared disadvantages seemed to be less severe than expected. Participation in a blended PbL format did not worsen course evaluations or exam results, but seemed to influence lecture attendance. The combination of face-to-face and digital elements could be suitable as a hybrid approach to digital instruction in the post-pandemic era.

An urgent need exists to improve and maintain intrapartum skills of providers in sub-Saharan Africa. Peer-assisted learning may address this need, but few rigorous evaluations have been conducted in real-world settings. A pragmatic, cluster-randomized trial in 12 Ugandan districts provided facility-based, team training for prevention and management of postpartum hemorrhage and birth asphyxia at 125 facilities. Three approaches to facilitating simulation-based, peer assisted learning were compared. The primary outcome was the proportion of births with uterotonic given within one minute of birth. Outcomes were evaluated using observation of birth and supplemented by skills assessments and service delivery data. Individual and composite variables were compared across groups, using generalized linear models. Overall, 107, 195, and 199 providers were observed at three time points during 1,716 births across 44 facilities. Uterotonic coverage within one minute increased from: full group: 8% (CI 4%‒12%) to 50% (CI 42%‒59%); partial group: 19% (CI 9%‒30%) to 42% (CI 31%‒53%); and control group: 11% (5%‒7%) to 51% (40%‒61%). Observed care of mother and newborn improved in all groups. Simulated skills maintenance for postpartum hemorrhage prophylaxis remained high across groups 7 to 8 months after the intervention. Simulated skills for newborn bag-and-mask ventilation remained high only in the full group. For all groups combined, incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and retained placenta declined 17% and 47%, respectively, from during the intervention period compared to the 6‒9 month period after the intervention. Fresh stillbirths and newborn deaths before discharge decreased by 34% and 62%, respectively, from baseline to after completion, and remained reduced 6‒9 months post-implementation. Significant improvements in uterotonic coverage remained across groups 6 months after the intervention. Findings suggest that while short, simulation-based training at the facility improves care and is feasible, more complex clinical skills used infrequently such as newborn resuscitation may require more practice to maintain skills. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03254628.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) in conjunction with Case-Based Learning (CBL) and mind mapping methodologies in fostering the clinical competencies of ultrasound residents. A cohort of forty-two general practitioners who underwent standardized training at the Department of Ultrasound Medicine at Tianyou Hospital, affiliated with Wuhan University of Science and Technology, from December 1, 2022 to December 1, 2024, were selected for this research. These practitioners were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group using a random number table. The experimental group engaged in training utilizing the Mini-CEX combined with CBL and mind mapping approach, whereas the control group adhered to a traditional training regimen. Subsequently, comparative analyses were conducted on theoretical and practical test scores as well as clinical teaching satisfaction ratings between the two groups. Additionally, variations in Mini-CEX evaluation scores for the experimental group were assessed at admission, after two weeks, and after four weeks of training. The training approach that integrated Mini-CEX with CBL and mind mapping demonstrated significantly superior outcomes compared to the traditional training method regarding theoretical and practical performance, as well as teaching satisfaction, with statistically significant differences noted (p < 0.05). A comparison of Mini-CEX scores among 21 general practitioners at two and four weeks post-training versus admission yielded statistically significant results (p < 0.05). The amalgamation of Mini-CEX with CBL and mind mapping methodologies markedly enhances the instructional effectiveness of standardized resident training.