Small group discussion technique in Pharmacology: An insight from a medical school in Mauritius

Abstract

Group discussion is a training technique in which most of the ideas, thoughts, questions, and answers are initiated by the participants. Mostly, medical schools follow undergraduate teaching through didactic lectures, practical training, and clinics, where active student participation is minimal. Small group teaching-learning activities have been in the limelight of medical education for many years, which enhances skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, role-playing, team-based learning, brainstorming, debating, and leadership. Teaching and learning in an active way, develop problem-solving or reasoning skills will help the students to become better doctors in future. In SSRMC, Mauritius, we introduced small group discussion sessions in the Department of Pharmacology in 2015, which were highly appreciated by the medical students. The content to be covered for the small group discussion is selected based on the learning outcomes of pharmacology covered in the concerned module. We follow the buzz group, step by step, controlled discussion format and snowball/ pyramid groups for small group discussion. Small group discussion session is usually carried out once a month. Students found this technique to be more interesting and informative, engaging as compared to the traditional lecture classes. This technique also encouraged students to ask questions for clarification and better understanding. It helps students in the deep learning process and stimulates them to comprehend the subject more critically and effectively.