Active learning to improve numeracy skills and confidence using quizzes in first-year biomedical science undergraduates.

Abstract

In response to a decline in the numeracy skills and confidence of first-year biomedical science undergraduate students, a series of quizzes was developed to encourage students to practice their numeracy skills with topic-related problems. The quizzes were created using existing tools in the online learning platform Blackboard (Blackboard, Inc.). The organization of the quizzes included repetition and a gamification element to encourage engagement by students. Analysis of pre- and postassessment data as well as a final subject-related test demonstrate a statistically significant improvement of the test scores in the students who engaged with the quizzes compared to those who did not. The confidence of the students who completed all the quizzes also improved. This strategy and configuration of quizzes could easily be adapted to topics other than numeracy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Do your students struggle with numeracy skills related to physiology? We have developed a series of online quizzes that have been shown to improve student confidence and ability in numeracy.