Problem based learning and involvement in off campus organization enhance students’ critical participation behavior

Abstract

Aim Developing  students’  critical  thinking  and  critical  participation  in  solving  patients’  as  well  as  a  community’s problem  should  become  the  concern  of  medical  education.  This  study  aimed  to  identify  several  factors  related  to medical students’ critical participation behavior.

Methods The subjects consisted of students of Sultan Agung Medical School (Unissula), year entry 2005, 2006, and 2007. Critical participation behavior was assessed using modified EMI: Critical Thinking Disposition Assessment. Relative risks (RR) were calculated using Cox regression analysis with constant time.

Results 64,6% (388 out of 600) of the students participated in this study. Those who were involved in PBL for two and three years, rather than one year, had twice as high  good critical thinking behavior [adjusted relative risk (RR) = 2.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.37–3.14; and RR = 2.33; 95% CI = 155–3.49, respectively.] Students who were more involved in off- campus organizations had a good critical participation behavior; 75% higher than those who were not involved in off-campus organizations   (RR = 1.75; 95% CI = 0.99–3.11).

Conclusion Besides involving in PBL learning approach, students should be motivated to be involved in off-campus organizations in order to improve their critical participation behavior (Med J Indones 2009;18:215-20)