Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42169081›Full record

ArticleBMC medical education2026

Enhancing adult learning through problem-based learning and knowledge scaffolding: a case study from postgraduate immunology education.

V Abeysuriya, J Gamage, W A D Jayawardana, V Abeysuriya

Abstract read
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Article in BMC medical education, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

V AbeysuriyaInstitute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Colombo 03, Colombo, Sri Lanka. visula@ibmbb.cmb.ac.lk.
J GamageAsian Institute of Business and Science, Edgehill University, Ormskirk, UK.
W A D JayawardanaDepartment of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University, Ratmalana, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
V AbeysuriyaDepartment of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe integration of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Knowledge Scaffolding in postgraduate immunology education has been shown to enhance the quality of adult learning. This process supports the development of problem-solving skills in learners through critical thinking, self-direction, and practical application of knowledge. This study aims to improves the postgraduate immunology teaching to strengthen lifelong learning capacities by incorporating PBL and knowledge scaffolding. METHODOLOGY: In this study, PBL was implemented with thirty postgraduate students enrolled in the Immunity to Infectious Diseases course. Students were divided into three small groups and engaged in collaborative problem-solving by analyzing immunology research papers and constructing domain-specific mind maps. These were later integrated into a comprehensive class-wide mind map, with data collected through structured feedback forms.

resultsOut of the 30 feedback forms distributed to participants, 29 (97%) were returned and used for analysis. The majority reported that small-group activities encouraged idea sharing (87%), class-wide integration boosted confidence (83%), and the exercise enhanced problem-solving skills (80%). Moreover, students also valued teacher guidance (90%) and recommended continuation of the activity (93%). Further the facilitator's notes confirmed higher engagement compared with lecture-based sessions.

conclusionThe findings suggest PBL supported by scaffolding promotes confidence, collaboration, and self-directed learning in postgraduate immunology.

Indexed as

Allergy and ImmunologyEducation, Medical, GraduateProblem-Based LearningAdultCurriculumHumansProblem SolvingAdult learningClass wide mind mapKnowledge scaffoldingPostgraduate immunology teachingProblem-Based Learning (PBL)

Identifiers

PMID42169081
PMCPMC13330215

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.