Problem-based learning: fighting against the tide to maintain quality

A critical element in assessing quality in higher education programmes is students' perceptions of their learning environment, eg, motivational context, interaction in small groups, and student self-management. Objectives: The study aim was to evaluate the Adelaide Bachelor of Dental Surgery first-year students' perceptions of characteristics of their learning environment. Methods: At the end of semester 1, first-year students from two cohorts, 2001-2002 and 2003-2005, completed a survey. These cohorts were grouped according to student numbers and staffing - there have been increased students and decreased staff between these cohorts. To review students' perceptions, responses to ten items (5-point Likert scale) were summarised with means and standards deviations (x ± SD) and analysed with ANOVA (p<0.05). Results: Response rates were >87%. There were no significant differences within each cohort except for workload. For the stream with PBL packages, students recognised the stream's relevance (2001-02: 4.7+0.5; 2003-05: 4.6+0.6), they were encouraged to take responsibility for their learning (2001-02: 4.5+0.6; 2003-05: 4.5+0.7), and agreed the assessment was fair (2001-02: 4.0+0.8; 2003-05: 3.8+0.9). However, for the 2003-05 cohort (4.0+0.8), their attitude to the stream was significantly lower by comparison with the earlier cohort (4.4+0.6; p<0.05). Students agreed that they learn from their colleagues and had learned to self assess. However, means were lower, with increased variation (SD) in perceptions for: clarity of programme aims and objectives, and assessment criteria, and whether there are too many topics. Students consistently perceived the workload as heavy. For the 2003-05 cohort, there was increased variation (SD increase-0.1-0.2) for six items. Conclusions: Students' perceptions of their learning environment confirm that semester 1, first year, is achieving some of its desired outcomes. With increased students significant pressures have arisen. We believe these initial trends are related to the increased numbers and reduced staffing. How these issues will be managed is unclear.