Comparative study of case based learning with traditional teaching method in pharmacology for second year MBBS students

Abstract

Background: Case based learning (CBL), a well-known teaching- learning method, implemented by many especially in medical teaching is very useful. It helps learner to identify what they already know and to restructure, elaborate their knowledge and provide bridge between existing and new information. So this study was conducted to compare case based learning (CBL) over traditional teaching method (TTM) in pharmacology for second year MBBS students. Methods: CBL was initiated for the entire batch of 5th term students (n=76). Three Sessions each of one hour using TTM and CBL were taken on two important topics, myocardial infarction and diabetes mellitus. Post-test for each teaching learning method was obtained and analyzed with paired t test. Feedback in form of questionnaire was taken. Results: We found that CBL is more effective than the TTM (p<0.001). Conclusions: Case based learning motivated students for fact finding, reasoning, and self-learning.