Study of Students’ Perceptions Regarding Open Book Test in Forensic Medicine

It is difficult for students to retain vast knowledge imparted during lecture and it is a challenge for medical education. Self-study and open book test, both are helpful for students as revision tools.

A pre-test was conducted before the revision exercise, after obtaining informed written consent of 2^nd MBBS students. Students were divided into two groups. The topic selected (i.e. Hanging) was divided into two portions of Part I and Part II. Group 1 students undertook open book test on Part I and self-study on Part II while Group 2 students reversed the order. The students were subjected to 1–2 sessions of open book test with short answer questions. A post-test was done with the same set of pre tested and validated MCQs after the revision exercise. The gain score of open book test was compared with that of self-study. To check the retention of the gain delayed post test was conducted after one week. Feedback from the students was taken on open book test and analyzed.

A total of 100 students participated in the present study, of which 40 turned out to be medium achievers, while 60 turned out to be high achievers. Both medium achievers and high achievers obtained high score in open book test compared to self-study. Both medium and high achievers showed high gained score after 1 week on repeat open book test. Most of the students perceived that open book test increases self-directed learning process, very much an effective tool for revision, helps to retain knowledge for long time and is more beneficial compared to self-study.

The open book test is a superior revision exercise in comparison to self-study after the teaching modules in Forensic Medicine subject among 2^nd MBBS students.