Efficiency and functioning of problem based learning process in Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine

ABSTRACT Problem Based Learning(PBL) is a student centered active learning method. PBL plays a critical role in development of self regulated learning skills and increasing learning motivation of students as well as the inspiration of problem solving skills. In this study it was aimed, the evaluation of medical students at Dokuz Eylül University concerning the process and outcomes of PBL and the evalution of self regulated learning skills. The study is based on the hypothesis that PBL outcomes and performance perceptions are in favor of the Grade 3 rather than the Grade 1 and there is no meaningful difference between genders. The study is cross sectional and analytic. At the end of 2015-2016 academic year, the students who complete the Grade 1 and Grade 3 were given a quastionnaire form consist of five different scales and various questions on demographic features and dependent and independent variables. Of all the students, 68.8 % of the Grade 1 and 62.9 % Grade 3 were reached. The data collected in the study was analysed by using SPSS 15.0 statistic program. In data evaluation of the data, descriptive analysis, student t test and the correlation analysis were used. As a result of the study, it was understood that the students had usually high points of self-regulated learning skills and female student points relatively higher than male students in seven parameters and the Grade 3 students evaluated themselves as more positive than the Grade 1 students in four parameters. It was also detected that the students usually evaluated themselves as positive in terms of their performance. In one parameter, it was seen that the points of female students higher than male students. Compared with the evaluation points of performance based on PBL session, it was detected that the Grade 3 students perceive their performance in a positive way to support their "verbal communication success" and "group dynamics". It was also understood that all the students gave higher points than the avarage rate in all parameters concerning PBL outcomes. Keywords: Problem based learning(PBL), medical education, self regulating learning