An innovative problem-solving assessment for groups of first-year medical undergraduates--Think Tanks

The effect of problem-based learning with cooperative-learning strategies in surgery clerkships

BACKGROUND

Cooperative learning is used often as part of the problem-based learning (PBL) process. But PBL does not demand that students work together until all individuals master the material or share the rewards for their work together.

OBJECTIVE

A cooperative learning and assessment structure was introduced in a PBL course in 10-week surgery clerkship, and the difference was evaluated between this method and conventional PBL in an acute abdominal pain module.

METHODS

An experimental design was used.

RESULTS

No significant differences in achievement were found between the study and control group. Both the study and control group students who scored low on the pretest made the greatest gains at the end of the education. Students in the cooperative learning group felt that cooperation helped them learn, it was fun to study and expressed satisfaction, but they complained about the amount of time the groups had to work together, difficulties of group work, and noise during the sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study evaluated the impact of a cooperative learning technique (student team learning [STL]) in PBL and found no differences. The study confirms that a relationship exists between allocated study time and achievement, and student's satisfaction about using this technique.

Assessment of spatial anatomical knowledge with a 'three-dimensional multiple choice test' (3D-MC)

BACKGROUND

Text only multiple choice questions (MCQs) are often inadequate to assess anatomical and histological knowledge and may encourage students to memorize abstract textbook knowledge. An alternative are the "spotters" or "tag tests" well-known in North American and British anatomy. However, the psychometric properties of this assessment have only been reported in one study for a format using short answer questions.

AIMS

To describe the implementation and feasibility of a multiple choice "tag test" (3D-MC) using prosected specimens, histological slides, models and radiographs; to report the psychometric properties and students' acceptance of the 3D-MC; to compare it with a traditional multiple choice format.

RESULTS

The administration of the 3D-MC did not pose any major problems. The 3D-MC was significantly easier (mean scores 75% vs. 64%) than traditional MCQs. The estimated correlation (corrected for attenuation) between the two MCQ formats was r = 0.814. Reliability for the 3D-MC was. 665 for 30 items. Student acceptance was very high.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D-MC is a feasible, reliable and well-accepted test of anatomical knowledge. Further research should investigate if the higher cost as compared to MCQs using photographs is justified by the assessment of different knowledge and abilities as compared to MCQs using photographs.

Cooperative learning: a new application of problem-based learning in mental health training

Interaction in problem-based learning (PBL) tutorials is not necessarily cooperative, which may account for variation in learning outcomes. Therefore, a cooperative assessment structure was introduced in a PBL course and the difference examined between this method and individual, lecture-based learning in mental health training. Experimental student groups gained more knowledge between pre- and post-test than did control groups, and the experimental students who scored low on the pre-test made the greatest gains. Groups that reported greater cooperation tended to have higher achievement scores. Experimental students felt that cooperation helped them learn but it also took more time and was sometimes chaotic.