Educational reform: problem-based learning at Chang Gung University, an overview

Abstract

Problem-based learning is an educational method characterized by utilization of problems involving patients as a context for students to learn problem-solving skills and acquire knowledge about basic and clinical science. It is a core curriculum in the new pathway of educational reform. Chang Gung University and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital began a program of educational reform in 1998. However, many difficulties were experienced at the very beginning including the capabilities of students, manpower resources, and a transition period of implementation. After a series of communication, education, practice, and system reforms, the problem-based learning curriculum is now performing quite smoothly. This paper reviews the history of and our experiences with educational reform including preparation, implementation, the content and range of reform, accompanying package, committee establishment, tutor training, assessment of tutors and students, etc. The fact that our education reform began from clinical aspects and then progressed to basic medicine is unique, and a hybrid curriculum with a model of parallel progress in traditional and new curricula was created using internal medicine as a reference for other departments. Finally, we hope that the effect of well-designed reforms in facilitating learning should not be underestimated.