Pharmacology quiz as a competency based learning tool for undergraduates: Assessment of students’ attitude and feedback

Introduction

Competency based medical education (CBME) is defined as an outcome based approach to the design, implementation, assessment and evaluation of the medical curriculum program using an organized framework of competencies. It is learner centered, outcome based and unit of progression is mastery in the specific competency.^[1] Competency is the ability of a health professional that can be observed. It encompasses various components such as knowledge, skills, values and attitudes.^[2]

CBME also improves learner’s ability to recognize, manage and continuously build upon their own competencies and evidence of learning. CBME practices do not need to be dramatic, many effective approaches are being incorporated and are evolving within the existing curriculum.^[3] In Pharmacology, various active teaching-learning methods like problem based learning, case based learning, exist that aid to develop the competencies. For most of the methods, the assessment of outcome is knowledge based through pre and posttests scores or mean scores. The student may have an extra-ordinary knowledge but may lack the attitude and basic soft skills related to communication, professionalism, patient care.^[2]

For effective implementation of a teaching-learning method, assessment of attitude and feedback of the students is also necessary. In the present study we chose quiz as an active learning method as it is different from routine methods, interactive, interesting, informative, provides scope for participation, peer interaction and improvement of communication skills etc. The objective of the present study was to assess the attitude and feedback of the students towards pharmacology quiz

Materials and Methods

Fifty-four second year MBBS students were included in the study. To assess the attitude of the students towards pharmacology quiz, a well-structured questionnaire containing ten statements was prepared referring from previously published studies ^[4], ^[5] and modified to suite the present study. The responses were recorded using a five point Likert scale with responses ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree.

Results

[Table 2] shows the demographic characteristics of the study participants and the details of their preparation for the quiz. The mean age was 21.6 ± 1.01 years with 63% (n=34) females and 37% (n=20) males. Eighty-four percent (n=45) had prior preparation for the quiz and 16% (n=9) hadn’t come with prior preparation. 57 % (n=31) prepared as a team and 27 %(n=14) prepared alone. 63% (n=34) students had participated in the quiz competitions previously and 37% (n=20) had no previous experience of quiz participation.

[Table 3] Shows the responses of the students towards the ten attitude based statements. Majority of the students agreed that quiz made the subject interesting (strongly agree:39,72 %; agree:14, 26%), was a refreshing way of learning (strongly agree:33,61%; agree:15,27%), allows for healthy competition and team work (strongly agree: 35,64%; agree:16,30%), encouraged participation and learning (strongly agree:39,72%; agree:12,22%), and useful for exams (strongly agree:31,57 %; agree:15, 27%). As evident in the table, many students disagreed for the negative statements i.e. statements 6, 8 and 9.

[Table 5], [Table 6] show the feedback responses of the students towards the quiz conducted in our department. Majority of the students found the rounds in the quiz interesting (strongly agree: 31, 57 %; agree: 21, 38 %), allowed for team work and peer interaction (strongly agree: 32,59 %; agree:18,33%) and felt it will be useful for exam preparations (strongly agree: 30,55%; agree: 22,40%). Forty-five (83%) of the students felt prices given were satisfactory. About the level of difficulty of the questions (tough questions) 59% (n=32) were neutral and 31%(n=17) agreed that questions were tough. Ninety-seven percent (n=52) opined that organization and execution of the quiz was satisfactory.

Crossword (n=21, 38%) rapid fire (n=10, 19%) ADR identification (n=9, 16%), Toxiplay (n=5, 9%) and Jigsaw puzzle (n=5, 9%) were among the favorite rounds for the students. The Easiest rounds included crossword (n=17, 31%), general pharmacology (n=12, 23%), ANS (n=8, 14%), ADR (n=8, 14%) and CVS (n=9, 17%). Rapid fire (n=21, 38%), Scientists (n=13, 24%), jigsaw puzzle (n=7, 13%) and CNS (n=8, 14%) were the toughest rounds according to the students. 63% (n=34) of the students felt quiz preparation and participation will be helpful for viva, 4% (n=2) for practical, 13% (n=7) for theory examinations. Students preferred clinical case based learning (n=17, 31%), projects (n=12, 23%) and quiz (n=13, 24 %) as the active teaching methods over the PowerPoint lectures and seminars.

Discussion

Quiz can be a fun and novel way to reconnect with the curricular material and are viewed by favorably by the teachers and also administrators and policy makers. ^[6] In our study, students’ had a positive attitude towards the quiz and felt that quiz is interesting, breaks the monotony, allows for team work and also improves interaction with the teachers. Feedback of the students was encouraging, majority of them found the rounds included and questions asked interesting, quiz improved peer interaction and co-ordination and also agreed that preparation and participation in the quiz helps for exam preparation especially for facing the viva voce. Innovative and out of the routine curricular rounds like Crosswords, rapid fire, ADRs identification, Toxiplay were favorites among the students. Such details add color and help to create complete picture and motivate for further learning. ^[6], ^[7] Well-organized subject oriented quizzes are known to improve learning, retention of information and recall. ^[5], ^[8] Viva voce forms an important aspect of medical exams, requires a different pattern of preparation along with ability to answer/ communicate within a given time. Regular exposure to quiz can improve spontaneous communication in students which can be helpful to face the viva. ^[9], ^[10]

Subject-wise quizzes have been evaluated in various clinical, pre and Para clinical subjects. A study done by Grover S et al evaluated the effectiveness of various Peer assisted learning methods as a part of MIBA such as Case based learning, power-point presentations (PPT), role-play, props, quiz etc. Quiz sessions followed by PPTs seminars and props received the highest mean scores, maximum participation was seen in role plays and quiz. ^[11] Another study done by Devi K et al used quiz as an innovative approach in teaching community medicine, results showed that quiz facilitated active learning, participation and increased awareness and interest in the subject.^[12] Verma M et al assessed the attitude of students towards pediatrics quiz, students had a positive attitude and quiz increased awareness of the subject and allowed study in a different perspective. ^[4] All the above studies re-inforce the findings of the present study.

Quiz participation also challenges the students in various aspects such as performing under stress in front of audience, in a given time frame, fear of failing in front of peers and teachers. Some debate that competition in education increases anxiety, but research shows that optimal competition in education allows students to address personal knowledge gaps and also performing under stress help in character building under pressure in front of audience.^[7], ^[8] Healthy competition challenges the students to give their best, improve social interaction, co-operation, cultural diversity and negotiation. ^[13]

The shift from a knowledge-based learning to competency based learning calls for curriculum reforms that emphasize all aspects of competencies: knowledge, skills and attitude. ^[14] Demonstration of these competencies in non-clinical fields can be challenging. ^[15] As evident from the results in this study, quiz can be an effective and feasible option to build and assess these competencies. Along with acquisition, applicability of these competencies into actual clinical practice is also vital. Active teaching-learning methods do impact on physician competency after graduation as well (coping with uncertainty, communication skills and self-directed learning). ^[16] Hence competencies attained is a progressive, developmental, ongoing process, sustained efforts are needed at all levels of medical education both by the faculty and students. ^[17]

Further different patterns of quiz are being tried and tested such as weekly computer based quiz, ^[18] power point timed quiz, ^[19] subject specific online quiz, ^[8] formative quiz, ^[20] online chapter wise quiz ^[21] etc. which have a positive impact on learning and academic improvement. Such patterns can refine the usage and effectiveness of quiz.

Conclusion

In this study, students had a positive attitude towards the quiz, students’ responses indicate that quiz was interesting, allowed for healthy competition, team work, improved student-teacher interaction, and they look forward to more such opportunities. Crossword, rapid fire, identification of ADRs and jigsaw puzzle were the favorite and interesting rounds for the students. Students also felt that quiz will be helpful for preparation of exams especially viva voce. Quiz can also improve peer interaction, decision making, working under pressure and effective communication, regular quiz exercises and assessments can be an effective competency based learning tool for medical undergraduates.

Source of Funding

None.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest.