Utility Rate of PBL Strategies by Students of Different Schools of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

Introduction: One of the most important and significant issues in students' learning, is choosing and appropriate learning strategy. Today, Problem- Based Learning (PBL) as a metacognitive skill plays an important role in students learning. This study tried to study and compare utility rate of PBL by students of different schools in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This analytical descriptive study was done on 177 students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2009. Sampling was done by stratified random sampling method. The tool used was Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI) whose validity and reliability were both confirmed. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software using ANOVA test. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean scores of PBL utility in students of different schools, the highest belonged to the School of Management with the score of 77.22± 10.8 and the lowest was that of School of Dentistry with the score of 57.83± 17.36. There was no significant difference among different university majors regarding PBL strategies utility rate. Conclusion: PBL is an active method and a metacognitive awareness in studying which could improve learning and academic achievement among students. So, the research and educational activities should lead the learners toward active and strategic learners. It is suggested that the educational system provide necessary education for students regarding applying PBL strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]