INTERACTIVE SESSIONS;

LECTURES AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN SUBJECT OF PATHOLOGY AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF CENTRAL PARK MEDICAL COLLEGE.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the perception of students about two different teaching
methods in the subject of pathology at Central Park Medical College Lahore. Background:
In medical education, it becomes essential to adopt an approach of teaching and learning
that is best suited to the undergraduate medical students. Many studies have revealed that
small group discussions lead to an improved and active learning as compared to conventional
didactic lectures. Hence, new research is required to identify the preferences and needs of the
medical students in relation to their daily learning activities. Study Design: Cross sectional
study. Setting: Central Park Medical Lahore. Materials and methods: Comparative analysis
of lectures and SGD was done via a feedback performa which was distributed among third
(n=105) and fourth year (n=114) MBBS students during a small group discussion session.
The students were explained about the purpose of study and 20 minutes were given to fill
the performa. Feedback performa comprised of selecting the preferred method of teaching in
subject of Pathology at Central Park Medical Lahore. Results: The study revealed that students
were satisfied with the current teaching pattern in pathology. 68.9% of the participants preferred
SGDs over lectures as the ideal teaching modality in Pathology. According to 47.9% of the
students the appropriate time for a single lecture of Pathology should be 30 minutes. 55.2%
of the participants suggested discussion as the most helpful method of teaching during an
SGD. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that students preferred SGD as the most
helpful method of learning in subject of pathology. SGD of the topics which had been covered
in the comprehensive lectures in the same week lead to a better understanding of the topic
resulting in an improved and active learning of the students.