STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF PROBLEM SOLVING EXERCISE IN RADIOLOGY EDUCATION FOR UNDERGRADUATES

Surendranath Singh MB; BS, DMRD, Balachandra Adkoli PhD., M MED*, K. R. Sethuraman MD., PGDHE, Ezhumalai G., M Sc, PhD

ABSTRACT

Objective: Teaching of radiology has followed a didactic approach in most medical colleges. Our study aims to assess students‟ perception of the efficacy of problem solving exercise which was introduced as an adjunct to the conventional curriculum. Materials and Methods: The students belonging to the MBBS batch 2014-15, (N=120), were subjected to a new method of teaching with Problem Solving Exercise and integrated teaching in collaboration with other departments. Students‟ perception regarding the new method was assessed through a specially designed Likert Scale combined with teachers‟ own reflection. Results: The students either strongly agreed or agreed with all 25 items that described satisfying learning experience provided through PSEs. Combined with the evidence from teacher‟s own reflection it is evident that the use of PSE is much sought out intervention for teaching radiology. Conclusion: Innovative teaching methods that involve integrated teaching and use of PSEs are perceived as effective teaching methods by the undergraduates in learning radiology.

Keywords: Undergraduate medical education, teaching of radiology, Problem Solving Exercise, Picture Archiving Communicating System, integrated teaching.