Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/2066
Title: Initial experiences of interprofessional problem-based learning: A comparison of male and female students' viewsparison of male and female studentsâ views
Authors: Reynolds, F
Keywords: Interprofessional education;Problem-based learning;Student attitudes;Gender
Issue Date: 2003
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Citation: Journal of Interprofessional Care. 17 (1) 35-44
Abstract: Few studies have considered the contribution of PBL to interprofessional education, and even fewer have examined whether women and men evaluate PBL differently. This paper examines first year occupational therapy and physiotherapy students’ evaluations of their initial participation in interprofessional PBL, during a module focusing on communication skills and patient-focused approaches to care. Questionnaire data included attitude ratings and qualitative evaluations of PBL. 133 females and 24 males responded (comprising 83% of the total cohort). Most students were positive that PBL contributed to both personal learning and team-working skills. Both female and male students felt able to express their opinions within the seminar groups and were positive that their understanding of therapists’ roles within the multi-disciplinary team had increased. However, women expressed rather more trust in the information provided by other students, confirmed greater enjoyment in taking responsibility for their own learning and had more positive views about working with students from another course. In their qualitative comments, more women made reference to enjoying the social aspects of PBL (such as groupwork, support and collaboration). The gender differences were not substantial but those that were observed support previous researchers’ arguments that women are more inclined to be ‘connected learners’ who value the social aspects of learning contexts. The findings overall suggested that PBL made a positive, well received contribution to learning during an interprofessional module.
URI: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/2066
Appears in Collections:Dept of Health Sciences Research Papers

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