Problem Based Learning Classroom vs. Online

Deniece O’Leary, MSPA-CAssistant Professor

PA Program –McMaster UniversityFacilitator- University of Toronto / Consortium

olearyd@mcmaster.ca

Learning Objectives1. 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 School1969 - Problem Based Learning introduced to the curriculum at McMaster 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 Mon

Mon

Mon M - Th

ThursThurs

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 OnlineStep 1&2: Identify the Learning Issues week 1 MonStep 3: Asynchronous Hypotheses Generation week 1 Tue/WedStep 4: Synchronous Meeting 1 week 1 ThuStep 5&6: Critical Thinking week 1-2 Thu-MonStep 7: Exploration of Learning Objectives week 2 Mon-ThursStep 8: Synchronous Meeting 2 week 2 ThursStep 9&10: Final Assignment 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. Share ideas and practice methods2. Share experiences with colleagues3. Peer support4. Integrate new ideas into current practice5. 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 ResourcesPBL

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 McMaster PBSG-Education

http://fmpe.org/en/programs/pbsg.html McMaster PBSG