LAUSR

Active learning such as problem based learning (PBL) and team based learning (TBL) has become increasingly popular in medical education among Asian countries including Japan.1,2 We developed a novel learning method named Hybrid Educational Activities of TBL and PBL Program (HEATAPP), which incorporated characteristics of both TBL and PBL, since we considered that employing TBL has the advantage of requiring less faculty members, of which we have a shortage. Additionally, PBL can strengthen clinical reasoning skills, which we consider is one weakness our students have. However, its effectiveness has never been evaluated. We held a focus group discussion and interviews for 6 medical students who participated in HEATAPP, and we found its strengths and weaknesses, particularly for Japanese students who might have unique characteristics different from other nations. Here we review what we found and try to envision what should be done.