A Problem-Based Learning (PBL) workshop on facilitation, assessment and feedback skills organised by the Department of Medical Education at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arabian Gulf University (AGU), successfully concluded as part of the college’s initiative to enhance faculty teaching capabilities.

During the opening session, Dr Mohamed Mostafa Al-Eraky, Head of the Department of Medical Education, affirmed the significance of PBL and student immersion in clinical and community health cases. He explained that PBL fosters inquiry, self-directed learning, and self-assessment, besides teamwork skills in small-group settings.

Dr Al-Eraky stated, "PBL facilitators must develop strong facilitation skills to optimise this educational approach. The primary aim of this workshop is to enable participants to develop and refine their PBL teaching skills."

The workshop featured presentations by Professor Hani Salem Atwa and Assistant Professor Dr Archana Prabu Kumar from the Department of Medical Education, Professor Mohamed Hany Shehata from the Department of Family and Community Medicine, and Dr Abdullah Ismail Abdullah, Head of the Department of Surgery. The training covered facilitation skills, including an overview of PBL, the essential skills for guiding PBL sessions, a demonstration of an initial teaching session, followed by reflection and critique.

On the second day, the focus shifted to assessment and feedback. The workshop included discussion of a second teaching demonstration with subsequent reflection, critique, and an explanation of student evaluation mechanisms. Emphasis was placed on delivering effective, structured feedback.

The workshop witnessed active participation from attendees, who demonstrated keen interest in improving their PBL facilitation skills. They exchanged insights on overcoming challenges associated with implementing this approach in medical education and expressed appreciation for the diverse scientific and practical content offered by the workshop.