The effects of problem based learning on critical thinking and problem solving skills among midwifery students

R. KOUSAR; M. AFZAL

Background: Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a student centered teaching strategy. PBL help the students to develop critical thinking and apply this knowledge in a real life situation effectively. It also motivates the students to learn by themselves and develop their clinical reasoning skills1. Aim: To determine the effect of problem based learning on critical thinking and problem solving skills among midwifery student. Methodology: This study was carried out by selecting the groups randomly. Pre and post-test were conducted with the control and intervention groups of 108 participants. Problem solving and critical thinking abilities were tested through a questionnaire and test respectively. Consent was taken. Descriptive analysis was done to calculate the mean and standard deviations. Non-parametric tests Man-Whitany and Chi Square test have been applied to analyze the data. Results: Mean age of participant n=108 was 22.38±1.182, academic score mean is 735.19±84.871. Problem solving skills between control and intervention group reveals P-value .406 and .000 respectively analyzing that there was no improvement in control group while intervention group showed the statistical significance in improvement. Chi square analysis showed the significant improvement that was .000 which is less than p-value 0.05 indicating the significant difference. Conclusion: This study concluded that problem based learning teaching methodology has effect on problem solving skills and critical thinking. Therefore, nursing education could include different teaching methodology to enhance learning and develop problem solving skill among nurses.