A New Hybrid Concept, Combining Lectures and Case-Seminars, Resulted in Superior Ratings from Both Undergraduate Medical Students and Teachers

BACKGROUND: Due to declining student ratings, a new teaching method was applied to a course in gastrointestinal diseases for undergraduate medical students. Problem-based learning was replaced with our new concept, consisting of a theory week with traditional lectures and case seminars. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we compared student-ratings from the problem-based learning era to a new hybrid concept. The students evaluated the concepts by rating (1–6, 6 = best) nine different subject areas. Additional free text comments were possible. Teachers working with both concepts did likewise. Statistical differences between the two periods were studied by Mann Whitney U-test. RESULTS: The study group consisted 621 students (57% females, total response rate of 52%). Scores for lectures (4.9 vs.3.8) and teaching stimulation and feedback (4.6 vs 3.6, and 3.7 vs 3.4, respectively), and to what extent the contents reflected learning goals (5.2 vs 4.3, p<0.05 for all) were instantly improved, which also prevailed in the following semesters. At the end of the study period, a significant improvement in case seminars (4.8 vs 4.3) and practical training (4.9 vs 3.8, p<0.05 for both) was seen. Free text answers revealed that the students felt more prepared for their clinical rotation. Teachers rated the new hybrid concept higher (4.7 vs 3.5, p<0.05) and especially praised the new lectures. CONCLUSION: The new learning concept resulted in both improved student-ratings and more satisfied teachers. We believe that the hybrid concept, combining lectures and case-seminars, facilitated learning and improved the learning climate. The subsequent uninterrupted practical training also received improved scores.