Problem Based Learning Classroom vs Online Deniece OLeary

Problem Based Learning Classroom vs. Online Deniece O’Leary, MSPA-C Assistant Professor PA Program –Mc. Master University Facilitator- University of Toronto / Consortium olearyd@mcmaster. ca

Learning Objectives 1. Discuss a quick approach to problem based learning in both settings 2. Understanding the benefits and challenges of PBL in class and online 3. Strategies to add problem based learning into your medical education

Origins of PBL into Medical School 1969 - Problem Based Learning introduced to the curriculum at Mc. Master Medical School Why use PBL? • • Early exposure to clinical settings and patients Motivation to learn is self-imposed Use practical knowledge immediately Increased chance of being lifelong learners

Approach to PBL in the Classroom • • Identify the problem while reading the case Explore pre-existing knowledge Generate hypotheses and possible mechanisms Identify learning issues Self directed learning Re-evaluation and application of knowledge to the problem Assessment and reflection on learning Mon M - Th Thurs

Benefits to Classroom Learning • Dynamic energetic environment • Students question each other and discuss challenging concepts • Every student researches and learns all learning objectives • Students use previous experience and knowledge to build on • Ability to assess professional behavior • Many cases focus on a specific diagnoses

Challenges to Classroom Learning • • • Many students must relocate or commute Dynamics of a groups with different personalities Short time frame to do research Tutor greatly affects the outcome of the experience and learning Increase cost of faculty and facility

Approach to PBL Online Step 1&2: Step 3: Identify the Learning Issues Asynchronous Hypotheses Generation week 1 Mon week 1 Tue/Wed Step 4: Step 5&6: Step 7: Step 8: Step 9&10: Synchronous Meeting 1 Critical Thinking Exploration of Learning Objectives Synchronous Meeting 2 Final Assignment week 1 Thu week 1 -2 Thu-Mon week 2 Mon-Thurs week 2 Wed-Fri

Benefits of PBL Online • No relocation needed for students or faculty • Flexible time to do self directed work • More time to work on each problem • Cheaper due to less faculty, support staff , and less facility cost

Challenges with PBL Online • • Lack of community and support due to location Students split up learning objectives Non-verbal communication missing Difficult for the natural flow of conversation Technology problems Pre-set modules, many answers to student questions are vague Numerous online posts by students to read

The Foundation for Medical Practice Education • • • Program started at Mc Master in 1992 Goal to increase knowledge and competency o Practice and evidence based knowledge to integrate into your practice 14 educational modules per year Currently 70 topics in English and French Developed by doctors and reviewed by specialists in the field 8, 000 members nationally and internationally

Practice Based Small Group • • Join a group or start a new group Meet 90 minutes once or twice a month Group 5 -9 members (7 ideal) Benefits for group members 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Share ideas and practice methods Share experiences with colleagues Peer support Integrate new ideas into current practice Patient handouts and provider handouts

Continuing Professional Development Using PBL • Practice Based Small Group (1 credit per hour) • Practice Based Individual Learning (2 credits per module) Study Credits (Pre-Accredited Learning Activities) • MAINPRO-C from the College of Family Physicians of Canada • Category 1 from the American Medical Association

Why use PBL? • High level satisfaction faculty and students • Better working environment • Teaches self-directed learning which is valuable in practice • Development of interpersonal skills, group skills, and communication

Additional Resources PBL http: //fhs. mcmaster. ca/mdprog/pbl_whatis. html http: //www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pubmed/10566102 http: //fhs. mcmaster. ca/mdprog/documents/PBL_Outcome_Study. pdf CPD http: //fhs. mcmaster. ca/facdev/pbsg-ed. html Mc. Master PBSGEducation http: //fmpe. org/en/programs/pbsg. html Mc. Master PBSG