Perception of Histology Students Regarding Problem Based Learning

Abstract

Current educational trends in health sciences show the need to integrate the curriculum in vertical lines promoting teamwork and solving problems in a small group methodology. Objective: To assess the perception of histology students about problem-based learning. Subjects and methods: cross-sectional study, mixed model, predominantly quantitative, conducted through a survey applied to 22 second-year medical students studying histology at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras Valle de Sula, II Academic Period, 2018. Tabulation of data and measures of central tendency and dispersion were obtained with Excel, open ended questions analysed with Cohen's kappa coefficient. Results: The majority of students had a positive perception in aspects like stimulation of self-learning, critical thinking, integration of basic concepts in clinical sciences. Average for all aspects: 4.8 out of 5. 90.9% considered that the method reinforces content, integrates concepts of basic and clinical sciences 95.5%, stimulates self-learning 90.9%, critical thinking 77%. 95.5% considered the facilitation adequate, 72.7% would like more topics executed in this way. Open-ended questions revealed that they would change group organization, lengthen time and better planning also, consider another evaluation methodology. Conclusion, students showed a positive perception towards this type of methodology highlighting self-learning, reinforcement of class content, and integration of clinical and basic sciences in medicine.