The multitiered evaluation of teaching based on improved case-based learning: A continuous survey in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Abstract

Contemporary undergraduate medical education has been exploring ways to effectively link basic medical curricula with clinical practice. Despite the variety of approaches, there is still no effective model or assessment method. This study examines an improved case-based learning (CBL) model that attempts to bridge the transition between basic and clinical medicine curricula. This study implanted an improved case-based learning approach in a biochemistry and molecular biology course in a clinical specialty class and evaluated the pedagogical effectiveness of this integrated approach. This study utilized a "three-tiered" teaching evaluation to assess satisfaction with teaching at three different stages of undergraduate education and to collect constructive feedback from students. We found that the satisfaction of the students in the class was significantly higher than 70% in all three dimensions of "knowledge acquisition, clinical thinking training, and comprehensive literacy", and the satisfaction gradually increased with the growth of students' performance, exceeding 80% and 90% in the second and third stages, respectively. This fully demonstrates that the iCBL model can construct students' clinical thinking system and provide an important attempt for "early clinical practice". In addition, the constructive comments from the students made us realize the shortcomings of the method, and we will continue to improve it in the future teaching of biochemistry courses. In conclusion, the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge helps students to synthesize and apply multiple aspects of knowledge to analyze and deal with complex clinical problems.