PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING - ITS RATIONALE AND EFFICACY

Problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education uses clinical cases as the context for students to study basic and clinical sciences. Ifs possible advantages over traditional approaches include its greater re levance to the practice of medicine, ifs ability to promote retention and application of knowledge, and its encouragement of self-directed l ife-long learning. Possible disadvantages include higher costs, both i n resources and staff time. Although its efficacy is difficult to eval uate, the current enthusiasm for PBL seems justified and its use is li kely to increase further.