Community-based education: a case study of the MED 113 expo at the University of the Free State

English: Complaints that health professionals do not address the needs of society have necessitated new methods of teaching and learning. The community-based education (CBE) approach could address these concerns. The aim of this study was to determine if community-based activities could help students to integrate theory and practice, or influence their attitudes and behaviour towards the community. It was a quantitative study including a literature review and questionnaires. The results yielded a 75.7% positive response with regard to the integration of theory and practice and a 77.9% positive response in terms of changed attitudes towards the community. Recommendations are made on changes to the CBE activities of MED 113 in order for it to serve as a model for other CBE modules at the University of the Free State.