Improved Understanding of Behavioural & Psychological Issues Through Integration

Abstract

Effective teaching is not simply the transmission of knowledge but it is the way through which learning occurs. Learning does not occur in a vacuum. Learners examine the facts to be learned against their schema based on past experiences. The integrated curriculum helps the learner in making connections with the real world and across the disciplines by fusing subject areas,
experiences, and real-life knowledge. Thus it creates a more fulfilling and tangible learning environment.
This is the reason that integrated curriculum is recommended by most international organizations of medical education1
. To keep up with global recommendations, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) has also adopted and implemented integrated curriculum in its constituent institutions. Since this new initiative we have observed a significant change in the interest of medical students in the subject of psychiatry and behavioural sciences. This is determined by improved attendance and better level of knowledge. Whether it has made the same difference in other disciplines of medicines remains to be seen.