Korean J Med Educ.  2018 Dec;30(4):295-308. 10.3946/kjme.2018.104.

Improving a newly adapted teaching and learning approach: Collaborative Learning Cases using an action research

Affiliations
  • 1Centre for Medical Education, National University of Singapore, Singapore. meddds@nus.edu.sg
  • 2Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
  • 3Department of Anaesthesiology, National University Health, National University Health System, Singapore.

Abstract

PURPOSE
Although medical curricula are now better structured for integration of biomedical sciences and clinical training, most teaching and learning activities still follow the older teacher-centric discipline-specific formats. A newer pedagogical approach, known as Collaborative Learning Cases (CLCs), was adopted in the medical school to facilitate integration and collaborative learning. Before incorporating CLCs into the curriculum of year 1 students, two pilot runs using the action research method was carried out to improve the design of CLCs.
METHODS
We employed the four-phase Kemmis and McTaggart's action research spiral in two cycles to improve the design of CLCs. A class of 300 first-year medical students (for both cycles), 11 tutors (first cycle), and 16 tutors (second cycle) were involved in this research. Data was collected using the 5-points Likert scale survey, open-ended questionnaire, and observation.
RESULTS
From the data collected, we learned that more effort was required to train the tutors to understand the principles of CLCs and their role in the CLCs sessions. Although action research enables the faculty to improve the design of CLCs, finding the right technology tools to support collaboration and enhance learning during the CLCs remains a challenge.
CONCLUSION
The two cycles of action research was effective in helping us design a better learning environment during the CLCs by clarifying tutors' roles, improving group and time management, and meaningful use of technology.

Keyword

Teaching; Education; Curriculum; Learning; Students

MeSH Terms

Cooperative Behavior
Curriculum
Education
Health Services Research*
Humans
Learning*
Meaningful Use
Methods
Schools, Medical
Students, Medical
Time Management
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