Assessment of problem-based learning in dental education and exploring barriers to its implementation: theory to reality

Abstract

There are 59 dental colleges in Pakistan out of which 17 are in the public sector and 42 in private. However, only a few use problem-based learning methods, though it is a popular strategy in dental education all around the world. This study aims to assess problem-based learning model in dental education and explore the barriers of its implementation in a private dental college of Karachi. Qualitative case-study approach was employed. The philosophical stance used was critical realism. Qualitative data was collected by participant observation, video recorded observation and video elicited semi-structured in-depth interviews of five faculty members and 15 students. Results showed that students were more interested in interactive sessions while faculty members were in favour of problem-based learning sessions. Thematic analysis was done to generate themes. This research applies reproduction method to explain the necessary and contingent relations and causal powers.

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