How to do PBL right

8 Tasks for Small Groups*

(self-directed, interdependent, small group, problem-based learning)

1. Explore the problem (case), create hypotheses, identify learning issues.  Elaborate.
2. Identify what you know already.
3. Identify what you do not know.
4. As a group, prioritize the learning issues, set learning goals and objectives. Each member should work on all primary learning issues.
5. Individual self-study and preparation.
6. Return to the group, share the new knowledge effectively so that all group members learn and discuss the information.
7. Apply the knowledge to solve the problem.
8. Assess the new knowledge, the problem solution and the effectiveness of the process used.  Reflect on the process, your contribution and that of others in the group.

·       *Adapted from, Problem-based Learning: How to Gain the Most from PBL. Donald R. Woods. 1994, Watertown, ON, LOR 2H0, Canada.

Happy Birthday Jan Ingenhousz

Happy 287th Birthday

Jan Ingenhousz or Ingen-Housz FRS was a Dutch physiologist, biologist and chemist. He is best known for discovering photosynthesis by showing that light is essential to the process by which green plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Wikipedia

Born: December 8, 1730, Breda, Netherlands

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Drugs

Flash Cards Recommendation

FLASH CARDS

Flash cards are a great study tool for medical students.  A program called Anki, is very popular and free.  It directs your study in a structured way over a period of time.  This is called “spaced repetition” and it promotes the good kind of memory; i.e., long term. The strength of Anki comes with its review feature, which shows you cards again based on how well you knew it.  After you answer each card, you will tell Anki if you thought the card was hard or easy, and it will show you the card again, either soon or in several days, based on your response.  There are many ways to review your cards using Anki: you can use your computer, phone, or do it in browser anywhere.  The review settings are very customizable, and there are even comprehensive stats.  Feel free to explore all of these settings to find one that works best for you.  If you have further questions, there are several good help videos on YouTube.  Two are listed here:

Anki tutorial 1

Anki tutorial 2 (iphone app)

Flashcard Directions:

1.     Download the Anki client at http://ankisrs.net/

2.     Once loaded, create a user name.   Creating a user name is not essential for use of the flashcards on the computer on which you installed anki.  However, if you would like to use the flashcards online or on your cell phone, you will need to make a user account.

a.     You can use Anki for creating your own flashcards

b.     You can use Anki to search for shared decks of cards (there are lots of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology decks as well as Step 1 and Step 2 decks; e.g.

                                               i.     https://ankiweb.net/shared/decks/pharmacology

                                             ii.     https://ankiweb.net/shared/decks/cardiovascular

                                            iii.     https://ankiweb.net/shared/decks/pulmonary

                                            iv.     https://ankiweb.net/shared/decks/renal

                                              v.     more

3.     In the “Review” tab, you can set options on how missed cards are reviewed.

4.     Also, if you want everything you do on your computer to be synced with your online, and cell phone cards, in the tool bar, click the Settings>Deck Properties>and in the Basic tab, check the box that says sync with AnkiWeb.