Students’ perception of problem-based learning conducted in phase1 medical program, UCSI University, Malaysia

Problem-based learning (PBL) has been introduced in the Phase 1 curriculum of Doctor of Medicine programme at Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, UCSI University since its inception in 2005. The main objective of this study was to investigate the perception of medical students on problembased learning sessions. A cross sectional study was conducted on a total of 115 medical students from June 2011 to June 2012. Forty nine (42.6%), 31(27%) and 35(30.4%) medical students from first, second and third years respectively participated in the study. The questionnaire included 23 statements to assess the benefits and disadvantages of PBL and the requirements in PBL sessions. Findings revealed that the majority agreed with statements on benefits - PBL motivates students for self-learning (80.9%), enhances discovery of learning issues (78.3%), provides critical thinking skills (71.3%), improves communication skills (80%) and enhances in obtaining new information (85.2%). Sixty percent (n=69) responded that PBL was time consuming and 84 (73.1%) noted that some students dominate while others are passive in the discussion. Overall positive perception on effectiveness of PBL on students’ learning was obtained in 79 (68.7%) of respondents and the highest agreement was observed among the second year students (93.5%).