Medical Education Research Seminar - Dr Harveen Kaur Sudarshan Singh

A recording of this talk is now available online: click here 

Title:

Experiences and Preferences of Medical Students and Case-Based Learning (CBL) Tutors on Online & Blended Synchronous CBL: A Mixed-Methods Study

Presenter:
Dr Harveen Kaur Sudarshan Singh (Ac. for Medical Education, UQ; MD Learning Hub, St Lucia)
Other Research Team Members:
Dr Benjamin Barry (UQ)
Dr Michaela Kelly (UQ)
Dr Charles Marley (The University of Edinburgh)
Dr Anita Gatt (UQ)

Abstract:

Despite the substantial literature available on problem-based learning (PBL) and case-based learning (CBL) in medical education, little is known about online and blended synchronous learning (BSL) modes of these tutorials. 

The aim of this mixed-methods study is to explore the preferences and experiences of two key stakeholders - students and tutors - about online and BSL CBL, offered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All first and second-year medical students, and CBL tutors were invited to participate in this study through completion of an anonymous online questionnaire. The majority of participants from both groups selected face-to-face CBL as their preference. The convenience, flexibility and easier access to resources were described as key benefits of online CBL; while participants perceived the in-person interactions as an advantage of BSL CBL. Technical and acoustic issues, a lack of non-verbal cues, and social isolation were found to be deterrents of both these modes. 

Tutors described a cognitive overload when facilitating online and especially BSL CBL as they had additional tasks of monitoring the chat box, troubleshooting technical issues whilst facilitating the discussion and group dynamics. Suggestions for improvements included reducing the number of students in each tutorial group, ensuring amenities could adequately support each mode of learning, and implementing more strategies to engage remote learners in BSL CBL. 

Despite these insights, the study raised questions that remain unanswered, particularly regarding differences in perception between students and tutors about learning experience in online and BSL CBL. Further research is required to answer these questions.

Importance/Significance:

This study adds to the growing literature on various modes of CBL, which is a key learning activity in the MD program. As it is impossible to predict how long the COVID-19 “new normal” will last, we need to be prepared for further periods of more stringent physical distancing and even the possibility of reverting back entirely to online education in the future.

(Ethics Reference: 2020002058)

Hosted by the Academy for Medical Education, this Seminar Series provides an opportunity to hear about Medical Education Research conducted by staff and academic title holders associated with the University of Queensland Medical School and the MD Program.