News

Workshop On Problem Based Learning (PBL)

The Medical Education Unit, Father Muller Medical College in association with the Department of Medical Education, St. John’s Medical College conducted a workshop on Problem Based Learning (PBL) on 17^th and 18^th May 2012 at the Knowledge Centre Hall, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore.

PBL is a small group teaching learning method that is centred on the discussion and learning that emanates from a clinically-based problem. It is a method that encourages independent learning and gives students practice in tackling puzzling situations and defining their own gaps in understanding in the context of relevant clinical problems, making it more likely that they will be able to recall the material later in the clinical setting. It is a way of learning which encourages a deeper understanding of the material rather than superficial coverage.

The workshop began with a short inaugural function where the Dean, Dr. J P Alva, the Director, Father Patrick Rodrigues, the chief guest Dr. Sanjiv Lewin and the convener MEU , Dr. Smitha Bhat spoke briefly.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Sanjiv Lewin, professor of paediatrics, Dr. John Stephen, professor of dermatology and Dr. Nachiket Shankar , associate professor of anatomy. After a brief introduction to the concept of problem based learning, group activities commenced under the supervision of the resource persons. Activities included writing a trigger, writing a tutor guide and approaching a PBL trigger from the students' point of view. The participants were motivated and engaged and the resource persons were happy with the response, as also the arrangements.

The workshop concluded with a valedictory and a message from the dean requesting the participants to institute PBL in Father Muller Medical College.