Independent learning in pathology. Does it work?

The sophomore pathology course at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, was substantially modified with the intention of promoting guided, independent learning. The emphasis has been shifted from lectures to other modalities of instruction. This article delineates the curricular changes made, describes the instructional modalities used, and reports student performance after two year's experience with the new curriculum.