A leap of faith: Innovative changes in problem-based learning delivery on a Malaysian campus

Monash University Sunway Campus usually conducts Problem-Based Learning (PBL) twice a week for both Year One and Year Two medical students. However, in 2009 PBL session was reduced from a two-day PBL session to a single day. The main objective of this action research paper is to compare and evaluate the single day session and the two-day session in terms of strengths and weaknesses and to propose possible solutions to the school and other campuses to improve the current practice. A qualitative approach, using focus group interviews were used to collect data from the medical students. Questionnaires were distributed to tutors facilitating the PBL sessions. The results showed that the new approach in PBL delivery was favorably accepted both by students and tutors. This approach, which was initiated by the Malaysian campus, was adopted by both campuses in Australia and Malaysia.