Assessment of Practical Research-Based Activity Program as a Tool for Teaching Medical Physiology to Undergraduates

Abstract

Background: Practical work is an essential component of science teaching and learning. Medicine is an applied science, interpreting evidence and applying it to real life, so the practical research–based activity program (PRBAP) may be considered as a good way for learning at medical schools;

Methods: The traditional activity programs which were used by our physiology department for years became non-interesting ways for gaining new skills so constructing a PRBAP was of considerable importance. PRABP was evaluated by student feedbacks on designed Likert scale with five items for student enjoyment assessment and six items for developed key skills and by calculating the mean score of students' grades and the number of first year students finished their physiology course;

Results: In this study, the twenty students that participated in PRBAP showed a positive response to nearly most items on Likert scale, P < 0.001 for all five items of enjoyment assessment when compared to non-PRBAP students. Also PRBAP students showed significant difference in group working and communication skills, Individual study skills, Practical skills, and time management when compared to non-PRBAP students. PRBAP students showed significant difference in the number who finished their first year physiology course compared to the non-PRBAP students of the same academic year, however no significant difference in the mean score of grades.

Conclusion: PRBAP appears to be a good way for generating motivation for learning and also to demonstrate the relevance of physiology among students.

Keywords: Practical Research, Physiology, Teaching, Undergraduates