Hey gang, Richie here. I'm a member of PBL at WVSOM. It kicks butt and I love it. It's not pure PBL but actually a new "hybrid" program that improves on the original concept. Dr. Modrazkowski is the man! Definately one of the most laid-back yet intelligent people I've met in my pathway through life. He's the perfect guy to head up PBL.
The basic jist is that it is student directed learning based closely off of patient cases you are given. It is quite a departure from lecture based learning (Systems Based Learning). The fundamental difference between the two tracks is that in the SBL track, they bring everything together for you in the 2nd year with the "blocks" of systems (Aka Cardiovascular System, respiratory system, Urogenital system, etc...), in PBL you learn clinical correlates with every new concept you learn, however you are responsible for weaving your own tapestry of understanding regarding the interconnected disciplines. Also in PBL, you really have to be a team player. Our group has had a great deal of drama associated with one individual and it impacted our learning process for a good 2.5 weeks. However, the flip side of this is that we are learning the important life skill of learning to work with others who we may not see eye-to-eye with. With that said, in PBL, your character is molded by your interactions with others and vice-versa.
Decisions to make regarding doing PBL track:
If you are a gunner, you won't survive PBL, everyone will crush you in terms of understanding.
If you have trouble being motivated to study, you won't survive PBL, you'll be left behind.
If you have issues with time management, you won't survive PBL, it takes a balancing act or you go crazy.
If you cannot work well with others, you cannot do PBL, your teammates will outcast you and everyday will seem like an episode of "PBL Survivor" in your group.
If you have developed a basic "Critical Thinking" mentality, PBL is for you as it develops it further.
If you have an ability to see the "Big picture" behind concepts, PBL is for you as you'll not only be learning material but how to apply it.
If you are a highly motivated student, PBL is for you.
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One thing I would like to address though, I have no basic sciences background like many others in the program. I am excelling at PBL because you really start from the ground and build up to more complex subjects. It's kinda crazy, but once you start PBL, you'll start looking at EVERYTHING with regards to the PBL learning process. Why is this? PBL is all about one thing: ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS!
Learning the material is the easy part, it's asking the right questions about it that lets you put it all together that is the difficult part. The only way to improve on inquisitivity is to just continue asking questions.
My only concern about PBL is the social rift that exists between the SBL and PBL students. Alot of it is engraved due to the nature of the programs. However, I'm running for Student Body President and one of my platform issues is to find a way to bridge that gap. After all we're all aiming for the 3rd year, just taking different roads to get there.
Tas: lemme know what day your interview is on and tell Angie Bowyer or Carol or Donna in the admissions office that you want to speak with me regarding PBL. I'll be happy to speak with you for a bit. If ya cannot find me I can normally be found in the library at one of the two front tables. 😛
Hope this helps and good luck!
Regards,
Richie
