Situation Analysis, Recognition of Problems and Solutions to Improve Problem-Based Learning in Dental Students of Tabriz University of Medical Science Based on Students, Professors and Authorities Viewpoint: Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is situation analysis, recognition of problems and solutions to improve problem-based learning (PBL) in dental students of Tabriz University of Medical Science based on students, professors and authorities’ viewpoint. Due to the fact that the PBL method has entered the educational system of desnistry faculty of Tabriz University of Medical Science since 2012, therefore, it is necessary to review and receive feedback from the implementation of this method and it is very important to continue, modify or abandon the educational method.

Method: This qualitative study was conducted with an interpretive phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews with professors, students and educational staffs. In this study, purpose-based sampling was used and 17 professors, 30 students and 3 educatioanl staffs in the faculty participated and due to lack of new information, the study was stopped in accordance with Lincoln and Goba verification criteria. Finally, the collected data were analyzed by content analysis. Results: The implementation of PBL method in Tabriz Dental Faculty is moderate to low. Due to the nature of the courses and the level of cooperation and familiarity of the professors, the level of performance in different educational departments was expressed differently. The orthodontics department generally conducts its training based on PBL. But in some departments, this learning method is performed by presenting the treated cases at the end of the semester or by questions and assignments uploaded in Navid system, in some training departments, the PBL method is not implemented at all. Conclusion: The most important challenges in implementing the PBL method in the faculty were the lack of knowledge of some professors and students about the nature and manner of implementing the PBL, the reluctance of students to perform, the nature of some courses and departments. In the following, the most important solutions provided include implementation in the form of instructions and performance monitoring unit, which with the cooperation of the professors of each of the relevant departments, the applicable topics are identified and communicated to the departments in the form of an instruction. Furthermore, the encouragement and optionality of the method in the first place and teaching and holding orientation workshops for students and professors is one of the most important solutions provided.