Abstract

NAVARRO-HERNANDEZ, Nancy  and  ZAMORA-SILVA, José. Factors that facilitate or make difficult the problembased learning in small groups, as seen by students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile. Iatreia [online]. 2016, vol.29, n.2, pp.113-122. ISSN 0121-0793.  https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iatreia.v29n2a01.

The objective of the study was to explore factors that facilitate or make difficult the tutorial process in problem-based learning (PBL) in small groups, at the Faculty of Medicine, University of La Frontera. Research was done under the qualitative paradigm through a case study. The sample consisted of 15 key informant students of the last two curricular levels. Information was collected through six interviews and a focus group. Triangulation was conducted by researcher, expert judgment and verification with study participants. We identified 574 meaning units, out of which 542 were grouped in 22 categories, among them: Tutorial group development, Tutor as an expert in methodology, Group management, Personal characteristics of the student, and Student responsibility. Four macro-categories emerged, namely: Competences of the tutor, Human relationships and learning environment, Characteristics and participation of the students and Organizational aspects. Students considered that the characteristics of the tutor and his/her experience and responsibility are relevant in the tutorial process. They also emphasized on collaborative work, interpersonal relationships, learning environment, and the administrative aspects that may influence the development of PBL.

Keywords : PBL; Rol of the Tutor; Tutorial Process.

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