Problem based learning: look to Manchester

Editor - I wish to respond to last month's article about problem based learning.¹ I graduated from Manchester Medical School in 2001. My medical degree was purely problem based learning, and, as a new university student fresh from A levels, I did not know about or have any other experience of any other way of university teaching.

I agree fully that students who undertake problem based learning feel better prepared for their hospital duties once qualified in terms of communication and team based work. Having worked with fellow colleagues who have undertaken non-problem based learning, this is evident—and they too agree with this.

You cannot make direct comparisons between different methods of learning as at the end of the day, whatever the method, the graduate has learnt the same syllabus and the overall degree is the same, preparing the junior doctor for work.

Problem based learning does have its advantages, as mentioned in the original article, but it also has disadvantages. It requires student dedication to participate in a certain style of learning and commitment to keep up with the work throughout the five years' training.

Overall, I think that problem based learning does work and helps cover the ever increasing medical syllabus, but requires commitment and hard work by not only the student but the university. It is very easy for an institution to change to problem based learning, but there has to be a carefully thought out approach to get a successful working degree course that is going to fully prepare students and support them through a different style of teaching. Manchester University has succeeded in this, and their degree course should be scrutinised by any medical college wishing to change to problem based learning.

1. Hebert K. Problem based learning better prepares students for practice. studentBMJ 2005;13:181. (May.)