Abstract:

Introduction:
The case study is a learning method based on an active and collaborative participation, and on the democratic dialogue of students about real situations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the satisfaction of Physiotherapy students regarding to the case study method used in the Community Physical Therapy subject, as a collaborative learning methodology.

Methods:
A group session was organized, in order to work in a face-to-face way at the classroom. Students were divided into groups of 4-5 people and they had to solve a clinical case related to ergonomics. Each group performed their clinical case following some points previously described. Then, the components of each group solved the clinical case and answered the questions briefly. Afterwards, each group exposed to the rest of the pupils the clinical case and the different steps they followed in order to solve it. The classroom was divided in several groups and the solution was discussed during 30 minutes. Finally, each group decided one person to represent them and a final discussion was performed. Thus, we promoted active participation, contrasted results, motivated the pupils and involved them with how to analyze and solve problems. Satisfaction was evaluated by means of an anonymous questionnaire that assessed the satisfaction and motivation of the student in relation to the case study method, through a Likert scale. This instrument of measurement was administrated after the application of the case study method.

Results:
62% adequately assessed the methodology of the case method and 57% thought that it had facilitated their understanding. On the other hand, 41% considered that it improved their interest in the subject, while 52% considered it useful for their learning. 70% thought that it facilitated participation, and 50% felt the protagonist with this technique. Finally, 21% preferred the master class, while 82% considered that it favored group work.

Conclusions:
Clinical case methodology is a suitable option regarding the study of ergonomics within Community Physical Therapy subject. Students consider that this technique mainly favors the work in group and facilitates the participation, increasing the interest by the matter.

Keywords:

Cooperative learning, physiotherapy, collaborative learning, case study, Community Physical Therapy.