{
  "abstract": "Introduction: This study investigated the perceptions and preferences of medical students at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) regarding various teaching methods, including lectures, problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), practical demonstrations, and digital learning tools. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 171 medical students was conducted, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Students were selected using stratified random sampling techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi-square test) and qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The thematic content analysis was based on 171 responses. Results: Practical demonstrations (32.2%) and small group activities (24.0%) were the preferred teaching methods. Key challenges identified include difficulty retaining information (48.0%) and inadequate preparation for clinical practice (15.8%). The students demanded practical, clinically relevant learning, and lecturers who are well-grounded in their subjects and had good teaching skills. Specifically, they preferred lecturers who are medical consultants and could also mentor them. Conclusion: The teaching curriculum in the school should incorporate more clinically relevant, practical demonstrations with adequate clinical exposure, more group-based learning, and improved digital infrastructure. Retention techniques should be routinely taught to improve learning retention. Finally, more doctors should be employed for training and mentoring the students. Lecturers should be trained in positive teaching and mentoring skills and to avoid student intimidation.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Department of Radiology, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria",
    "Department of Radiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria",
    "Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, United Kingdom",
    "Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria",
    "Department of Family Medicine, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria",
    "Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria",
    "Department of Internal Medicine, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria"
  ],
  "article_type": "Research Article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 7,
  "authors": [
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        0
      ],
      "name": "Solomon Daniel Halilu"
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      "name": "Afisulahi Abiodun Maiyegun"
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      "name": "Godiya Ishaya Dare"
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    {
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      ],
      "name": "Ganaka Kubi Musa"
    },
    {
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        4
      ],
      "name": "Yakubu Bababa Shirama"
    },
    {
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        5
      ],
      "name": "Hassana Dauda Gololo"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        6
      ],
      "name": "Appolos Kanda Gizaki"
    }
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  "doi": "10.1371/journal.pone.0358966",
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  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
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  "pdf_url": "https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0358966&type=printable",
  "pmcid": null,
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  "published": "2026-09-23",
  "publisher": "Public Library of Science",
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  "subjects": [
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  "title": "Perceptions and preferences of teaching methods among medical students in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria – A mixed methods study",
  "title_text": "Perceptions and preferences of teaching methods among medical students in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria – A mixed methods study",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:17:43Z",
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