Active Learning Methodologies: An Experience for Faculty Training at Medical Education

Abstract

When studying the implementation movement of active learning methodologies, especially the Problem Based Learning (PBL) at medical schools, it is considered that faculty training is of great relevance and is a weakness to be overcome. In this paper, an experience from a medical school is shared concerning the accession to PBL especially focusing the course on the faculty development during this process. The Faculty Development Program (FDP), made permanent in this institution, is presented, as well as its steps in 17 years of existence: strategies and guidelines for practical support. At first, faculty training programs were based on Continuing Education (CE) and Permanent Education (PE) demonstrating theoretical references and methodologies paying greater attention to the current process of Academic Permanent Education (APE). This study also describes the APE organization, potentialities and weaknesses rates and, following that, broadens reflection on challenges surrounding faculty training programs in medical schools. It is concluded that APE, when promoting operative group activities and active knowledge production, it supports and strengthens team work. When stimulating active attitude for personal and professional teacher growth, APE also collaborates for pedagogical, curricular and humanistic development of the higher education institute.