The Effectiveness of a New “Student-Centered” and “Problem-Oriented” Method of Textbooks Review in Large Educational Groups: a Case Report

Background and purpose: Two important clinical education methods are problem-based and student-centered. However, education of “clinical decision-making skills” and “application of clinical knowledge” is important. Usually training these cases is done in small groups. In this study, new method of scientific textbooks with four factors mentioned above has been implemented in large education groups and its effectiveness has been evaluated. Methods: In scientific literature teaching sessions to 50 gynecology specialist residents of a type 1 university in Iran, problem-based and student-centered education is applied from textbooks by asking questions to “increase decision-making skills” and “application of clinical knowledge”. Designing of the questions was done in five-step process including design-thinking, response based on previous information, design multiple choice questions, thinking again, referring to textbooks proper answer and discussion-final conclusion by the coordinator in large educational groups (up to 50) runs in a 2-year period and then evaluated by learners, managers and graduates investigation. Results: The evaluation of learners (Gynecology residents) satisfaction was 89%, decision-making skill increase was 82%, clinical application skill increase of scientific matters was 74%, textbooks understanding increase was 83% and answering skill increase to exam questions was 79%. Managers opinion (3 people) was excellent about the process. In examining graduates in the two-year period, 2 people achieved first and fifth rank in national gynecology board that both of them considered the attending classes important in their success. Conclusions: New method of scientific textbooks with the use of “problem-based” and “student-centered” education in large educational groups was effective and satisfactory for the learners.