ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Problem based learning is an instructional strategy that has gained much support in the west. The main advantage of this method lies in its motivational value as also application to real life situation. In this research a study of effectiveness of Problem Based Learning (PBL) method in comparison to Lecture Based Learning (LBL) method was undertaken. Two courses of first year undergraduate program following Problem based learning were compared with two courses following lecture based learning. Thus two-groups post test design was followed. Three variables were studied namely Attitude; performance; and study habits of students. Attitude towards the course was measured using the Course Interest Survey by Keller J (1995). A comparison was made between attitude of students in PBL and those in LBL. A t test was done and the t-value revealed that students in PBL had a significantly favourable attitude towards their course. Performance of students was measured in terms of scores obtained in examination requiring recall of information. A comparison was made between performance of students in PBL and students in LBL over past four years. The t-test done revealed a significantly higher performance of students in PBL method. problem based learning method; lecture based learning method; attitude; performance