Medical and Health Science Students’ Perception Towards a Problem-Based Learning Method: A Case of Debre Tabor University

Simegnew Kibret, Diriba Teshome, Efrem Fenta, Metages Hunie, Moges Gelaw Taye, Yewlsew Fentie, Tadese Tamire Department of Anesthesia, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Moges Gelaw TayeDepartment of Anesthesia, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, PO. Box: 272, EthiopiaEmail mgsglwty@gmail.comBackground: Problem-based learning is a student-centered innovative instructional approach in which students define their learning objectives by using triggers from the predefined problem case scenario. Problem-based learning is not about problem-solving; rather it uses appropriate problems to increase the problem-solving skills of students. This study aims to assess the medical and health science students’ perception towards problem-based learning method.Methods: An institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was employed. All available graduating class Medical and Health Science students were included in this study.Results: More than half of the students (59.4%) strongly agree that problem-based learning was helpful to understand basic sciences knowledge and 31.5% of the students disagree that tutors are prepared and qualified to run the session. Some of the students (27.3%) disagree that tutors evaluate students fairly. About fifty-two percent of the students have used both books and Internets for self-directed learning.Conclusion: More than half of students agree that problem-based learning helped them understand basic science knowledge. Some of the students disagree that tutors are prepared and qualified to run the session, and disagree that tutors evaluate students fairly.Keywords: perception, medical and health science students, problem based learnin