ABSTRACT:
Objective: The primary objective of this study was to compare Case Based Learning (CBL) with didactic lectures as a Teaching – learning (T-L) method for improvement of ethical skills of M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Medicine students. The secondary objective was to assess and compare the perception of students about these teaching learning methods. Method: This study was undertaken as a pilot project to introduce Case Based Learning (CBL )as an innovative T-L method in curriculum of M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Medicine over a period of 4 months. 18 students of first year M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Medicine course participated after written informed consent. Students were randomly distributed in 2 groups of 9 each. 2 ethical issues were conducted by CBL sessions and 2 different ethical issues were conducted by didactic lectures. A Short Answer Question (SAQ) test was conducted at the end and students’ knowledge gain assessed. Students’ feedback about both the TL methods was collected by a questionnaire. Result: Knowledge gain by both methods (CBL and didactic lectures) was same and not statistically significant. Students perceived CBL as a better TL method than conventional didactic lectures which was highly statistically significant. Students’ feedback revealed they were comfortable and satisfied with CBL .They felt that understanding and skill development was better achieved with CBL. Conclusion: This study concludes that Students perceived CBL as a superior T-L method as compared to conventional didactic lecture .The knowledge gain by both methods remain same.