Problem Based Learning (PBL) to improve learning in Pharmacology and veterinary Pharmacy

Abstract

Problem-based learning (PBL) was introduced at Mc-Master University (1968) and is one of the most consolidated learning methods in the medical curriculum. This paper presents the process and evaluation of an experience of educational innovation developed with students of 2nd year of the Veterinary Degree of the ULPGC using the methodology of Problem based learning (PBL) in the subject of Pharmacology and pharmacy. The Objective was to assess the impact of problem-based learning (PBL) as a strategy to improve the teaching-learning process. The innovation has been developed in 15 groups of clinical cases, during the dates 16/4 to 16/5 of 2019. The process was developed in 4 phases: Phase 1. Theoretical introduction, Phase 2. Bibliographic review, Phase 3. Intervention development, Phase 4. Opinion evaluation. For its analysis, the Problem Impact Learning Assessment (EVIA) questionnaire was used to analyze the development of transversal competencies. The students' competency selfperception and academic results were analyzed as a measure of the quality of the innovation developed. The Results show that the best valued dimension is satisfaction and achievement (4.13; 1.05) and the lowest Transversability (3.18; 1.27). There is not much difference in the valuations of the different dimensions. There is a great correlation between the dimensions of the EVIA. There are strong correlations between the items of each dimension. The average grade of the theoretical exam taken in the 2019 course (n = 60) eliminating those not presented is (7.45; 1.12) with a minimum of 0 for those students not presented and a maximum of 9.6. The results suggest a positive impact of this new methodology on the teaching-learning process of the students by improving their self-perception of domain over their competencies.