Educational Panel Discussions as a Model of Learning Preference in the Subject of Medicine for Undergraduates of a Medical University

To evaluate the efficacy of “Panel discussions” as a teaching and learning tool for undergraduates in the subject of Medicine.

This study was carried out in Department of Medicine, JN Medical College, DMIMS University, NAAC accredited “A”, which is attached to ABVR Hospital, located in Wardha district of Central India, under the guidance of SHPER Nodal Center for Faculty development. One hundred students of final year MBBS were divided into 2 groups. The study group (n=50) were exposed to didactic lecture followed by panel discussion on a topic selected. The control group (n=50) only had the exposure of didactic lecture. Then, a 50 mark examination was carried out on the topic. Pre and post tests were carried out in each group. Four topics from Neurology was selected. At the end of sessions, a feed back analysis was obtained.

On comparison of the pre-test and post-test in the study group; there was a significant improvement in the study group p<0.001). When the post-test scores of the study and control group were compared there was a significant improvement in the study group (p, 0.001). The classroom averaged learning gain was at the mid range of Hake model of learning (0.3–0.7) in the studygroup and was below the low gain range (<0.3) in the control group. In the feedback analysis majority students gave positive remarks about PD as a teaching and learning method.

The implementation of the panel group discussion in a lesson study setting on the subject of Medicine in this study had contributed on better impact on student's selfconfidence, learning, logical analysis of the subject and over all understanding.