Application of problem-based learning in a large classroom in general practice

Objective To discuss the effect and significance of problem-based learning(PBL) in a large classroom in general practice.Methods A total of 120 students of China Medical University were assigned to the PBL group (n =60) and the control group (n =60) randomly based on their student ID number.The PBL group adopted the PBL teaching method in a large classroom,while the control group adopted the traditional teaching method.The two groups shared the same teachers.The examination and questionnaire were used to evaluate the teaching effectiveness and SPSS 11.5 software was used for statistical analysis.Results Experimental results showed that,because of the application of PBL in a large classroom,the study time of general practice after class had been prolonged (P＜0.01),the interests in general practice(P＜0.01) and the possibility that engage in general practice increased obviously(P＜0.05),the ability of autonomous learning(P＜0.05),cooperation with others(P＜0.05),problem-solving(P ＜0.05),critical thinking(P＜0.05),communication (P＜0.01) and information management (P＜0.01) was improved.The score of final test was also improved (P＜0.05).Conclusions Problem-based learning in a large classroom used in general practice can significantly improve the quality of teaching and save teaching resources obviously. Key words: Problem-based learning;  Teaching method;  General practice