Perception of medical students and tutors on face-to-face vs. synchronous online problem-based learning in basic sciences of undergraduate program

Authors

Keywords:

medical students, perception, problem-based learning, synchronous online learning, tutors

Abstract

Introduction: Problem Based Learning (PBL) is the major curriculum delivery system in our academy. Due to COVID-19, the face-to-face sessions were converted into synchronous online version. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare perception on face-to-face and synchronous online PBL of MBBS first- and second-year students in basic sciences and PBL tutors.

Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A validated questionnaire was sent to the participants using google form. Quantitative data were entered as numbers and percentage and for qualitative data, thematic analysis was done.

Result: Students from first (N=48) and second year (N=55) and their tutors (N=10) were involved in this study. Majority of the participants were satisfied with synchronous online PBL, while half of them agreed this could be alternative to face-to-face PBL. The benefits were exposure to newer technology enabling easier participation, flexibility, and useful in adverse situation. However, students agreed or strongly agreed that the group dynamic 71(68.9%), critical thinking 62(51.2%) and team spirit 72(69.9%) were unsatisfactory. Tutors six (60%) also had difficulty in assessing students in different aspects of PBL. Participants suggested that solving technical issues, timely feedback from tutors and self-motivation among students could help in smooth conduction of PBL.

Conclusion: This study showed that synchronous online PBL can be better alternative when it is not possible to conduct face-to-face PBL. Despite its limitation, particularly in achieving soft skills of PBL like teamwork and critical thinking, participants have suggested that technical support, timely training and self-motivation can overcome these.

Author Biographies

Ritu Bashyal, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal

Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry

Ranjan Prasad Devbhandari, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal

Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy

Babu Raja Maharjan, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal

Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry

Sushant Aryal, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology

Jayandra Byanju, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal

Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology

Prasil Pradhan, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal

Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology

https://doi.org/10.3126/jpahs.v11i3.80196

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Published

2025-06-19

How to Cite

Bashyal, R., Devbhandari, R. P., Maharjan, B. R., Aryal, S., Byanju, J., & Pradhan, P. (2025). Perception of medical students and tutors on face-to-face vs. synchronous online problem-based learning in basic sciences of undergraduate program. Journal of Patan Academy of Health Sciences, 11(3), 55–63. Retrieved from https://jpahs.edu.np/index.php/jpahs/article/view/402

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Section

Medical Education - Original Articles