This study considers social learning practices within and outside the overt curriculum. A thematic approach was used to analyse data from six focus group interviews with 11 graduate entry medical students from a UK university over a year of study. The results indicate that: (1) during their first year of study students form a community of learning…

Background: Adaptation to learning styles has been proposed to enhance learning. Objective: We hypothesized that learners with sensing learning style would perform better using a problem-first instructional method while intuitive learners would do better using an information-first method. Design: Randomized, controlled, crossover trial. Setting:…

Describes a four-week rotation at the State University of New York Health Science Center in Brooklyn in which medical residents are taught community health assessment using a problem-based format. They use demographic and health data to create rates they believe will help to illuminate the health status and health issues of their assigned…

In an experimental program, problem-based learning was used as the primary instructional method for a one-month primary-care internal medicine rotation on AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) patient care. Resident, tutor, and faculty perceptions of the problem-based approach were positive. Despite substantial initial planning, little…

Issues in problem-based learning in medical education, revealed in a literature review, are discussed including basic and clinical science examination performance; thinking processes and study behaviors promoted; learning environment; student progress and satisfaction; graduate perceptions; choice of residency and specialty; faculty satisfaction;…