Problem-based learning is helpful in encouraging academic institutions to strive for excellence: perceptions of Sudanese physiologists as an illustration

Background: Problem-based learning (PBL) is a well-known teaching method which promotes self-directed learning (SDL) in many medical programs worldwide. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of Sudanese physiologists on applying PBL in teaching their physiology courses or sessions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 82 physiologists (70% of the total Sudanese physiologists). The data were collected using questionnaires that included questions about attitudes towards, effectiveness of, and barriers to PBL implementation. The internal reliability of the questionnaire (over 0.7) was good, as measured by Cronbach’s alpha. The Mann‒Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, multiple linear regression and correlation (Spearman) analysis were performed to assess various factors associated with physiologists’ perceptions of the research domains. Results: Physiologists generally had a positive attitude (overall score percentage of 76.9 ± 23.97%) towards PBL compared to other teaching methods and had good perceptions of the effects of PBL (overall score percentage of 77.1 ± 25.13%) on the student learning process. Furthermore, physiologists had a notable knowledge gap about common challenges affecting PBL application (overall score percentage was 56.93 ± 19.43%) at their relevant institutes. Physiologists’ perceptions of common factors affecting PBL application were significantly related to participants currently working inside or outside Sudan (p value = 0.010) and applying PBL at their relevant institutes (p value = 0.008). In addition, the attitude score was significantly associated with the current workplace (governmental/private) classification (B= -14.083, p = 0.031). Additionally, attitude toward PBL had a significant positive correlation with age (r = 0.233, p = 0.005) and the perception score of PBL’s effects on students’ learning processes (r = 0.788, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In general, physiologists have good attitudes towards and perceptions of PBL’s effectiveness, although they are unaware of the main challenges that PBL faces. The findings of this study can help the Federal Ministry of Higher Education make informed decisions about how to improve teaching methodology by implementing such novel approaches. © The Author(s) 2024.