DEVELOPING CLINICAL REASONING IN MEDICAL STUDENTS USING PBL: AN OUTPATIENT PEDIATRICS EXAMPLE

This study explores the effectiveness of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model in developing clinical reasoning competence among medical students, with a specific focus on outpatient pediatrics. PBL enhances critical thinking, promotes self-directed learning, and integrates basic and clinical sciences through authentic clinical scenarios. Key components such as small group discussions, tutor guidance, feedback, reflection, and longitudinal curriculum design significantly contribute to the development of diagnostic skills and decision-making abilities. The results indicate that PBL is a powerful educational approach to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice.