Medical and Health Science Students’ Perception Towards a Problem-Based Learning Method: A Case of Debre Tabor University

BACKGROUND: Problem-based learning is a student-centered innovative instructional approach in which students define their learning objectives by using triggers from the predefined problem case scenario. Problem-based learning is not about problem-solving; rather it uses appropriate problems to increase the problem-solving skills of students. This study aims to assess the medical and health science students’ perception towards problem-based learning method. METHODS: An institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was employed. All available graduating class Medical and Health Science students were included in this study. RESULTS: More than half of the students (59.4%) strongly agree that problem-based learning was helpful to understand basic sciences knowledge and 31.5% of the students disagree that tutors are prepared and qualified to run the session. Some of the students (27.3%) disagree that tutors evaluate students fairly. About fifty-two percent of the students have used both books and Internets for self-directed learning. CONCLUSION: More than half of students agree that problem-based learning helped them understand basic science knowledge. Some of the students disagree that tutors are prepared and qualified to run the session, and disagree that tutors evaluate students fairly.