Enhancing Medicinal Botany Education Through Comprehensive Teaching Reform from 2020 to 2023

This study evaluates the impact of an innovative four-year instructional strategy on the Medicinal Botany course for second-year pharmacy students at a Chinese university, covering the period from 2020 to 2023. The reform included three main components: (1) a combination of online and offline learning through digital resources and interactive activities; (2) a significant enhancement of practical experience through laboratory work, supplemented by visits to on-campus facilities and regional resources; and (3) the integration of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to foster advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Evaluation of student engagement, resource utilization, and feedback during this period revealed significant improvements in both engagement and comprehension. These findings highlight the effectiveness of a comprehensive, multifaceted pedagogical approach in enriching plant science education and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.