RESIDENTS EVALUATION OF A PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING CURRICULUM IN A GENERAL-SURGERY RESIDENCY PROGRAM

METHODS: TO determine residents' satisfaction with problem-based learn ing and its tutors, to determine how residents prepare for sessions, a nd to identify the characteristics of both effective sessions and tuto rs, we analyzed 132 evaluations from 24 residents who completed 1 or m ore of the 9 cases presented during the first 9 months of our program. The 38-item evaluation questionnaire asked residents to rate tutor ch aracteristics, various aspects of the sessions, and methods used to pr epare for the sessions. RESULTS: Residents were well satisfied with th e problem-based learning sessions and with the logistics of our progra m; they found the overall quality of the tutor more important than tha t of the case; they valued an active, thought-provoking tutor more tha n a traditional facilitator; and they most often used standard textboo ks to prepare for the sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Problem-based learning is a practical, enjoyable graduate curricular vehicle when implemented w ith well-written cases and active tutors. (C) 1997 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.