Introduction of Interactivity Using Quiz in Teaching Anatomy to First Year Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

Background: Long duration of continuous lectures make the students loose interest in the subject of anatomy. This in turn affects their learning and performance. So, there is a necessity to introduce interactive teaching method like quiz that will motivate them to become good learners. The purpose of interactive teaching methods is generation of interest in the subject and acquirement of more knowledge in general, active and participatory learning, development of life-long learning habits and attitudes, acquire, retain and apply the knowledge, active involvement of students and thorough understanding of the subject. Keeping this in view, we tried to implement quiz as an interactive teaching technique in Anatomy and evaluate their effectiveness and impact on learning of the students. Methods: Quiz was introduced as a teaching and learning method for two regions of Anatomy- Abdomen & Pelvis and Head & Neck. The students and faculty were asked to give their feedback after the Quiz sessions. The data generated from feedback form was tabulated and analyzed. Results: 4 faculty (n=5) and 132 students (n=144) are very positive and looking forward to use of Quiz as an interactive method of learning in the future. 124 students feel that this method will enhance their exam performances. 4 faculty and 125 students feel other subject teachers should also start using this method. Conclusions: Majority of students and faculty are enthusiastic about using Quiz as an interactive method of teaching and learning. Majority of students also stated that they feel their exam performance will also be increased by the use of this method. This will cause awareness among other subject teachers also and a broader administration of such methods will be seen in near future with an attempt to enhance motivation, learning and exam performance of our students. Keywords: Quiz, Interactivity, Medical students