Impact of alterations in teaching methodologies on learning capabilities

Objective: to compare the role of new approaches and methods in the development of understanding and learning capabilities of undergraduate medical students in the module of respiratory physiology. methods: a comparative cross sectional study was conducted in bahria univiersity medical & dental college using a sample size of 198 students from february till may 2010. difficulties in understanding the concepts of respiratory physiology was analyzed in groups a (batch 2008-2013) and assessed through test performance. in group b (batch 2009-2014) integrated learner-and teacher-centered approach was implemented by introduction of problem based learning, case based sessions, students seminar, quizzes and structured assignments. response of group b students was evaluated in terms of concepts and performance by identical feedback form and assessment test. the data was analyzed using spss version 15.0 and applying the chi-square test. results: the mean age of karachi students of groups a and b was 20±2 years. statistically significant improvement in conceptual understanding of group b (84%) was noticed compared to group a (42%). conceptual understanding of group b (84%) was observed, as compared to group a (42%) conclusion: supplementation of teaching methodologies with augmented interaction improved significant learning, performance and satisfaction among group b students.