Use of Innovative Interactive Methods in Large Group Teaching

In medical education, use of interactive techniques and strategies makes students more involved in the learning process and arouses interest more than conventional didactic lectures which are monologues. It also promotes a higher level of thinking, problem-solving and application of the material taught.

1. Evaluation of cases, images and buzz group as a tool for interactive large group teaching in Microbiology. 2. Comparison of conventional and innovative teaching methods.

This was a Prospective Observational study involving 240 second year MBBS first term students conducted in the Department of Microbiology, B.J.M.C, Ahmedabad, after IEC permission.

Students were divided in two different batches. Informed consent was taken and first batch of students were taught with conventional method and buzz group method respectively for two topics with crossover in other batch to minimise errors. In a similar manner, conventional method and image/case method with crossover were used. Pre-test and post-test were taken for all topics taught by all methods. Feedback of students and faculty who attended the lectures was taken. Statistical analysis used: Microsoft Excel, Z-test were used for data analysis.

Values of difference of mean and Z-test were more by innovative methods than by conventional method in three out of four topics. Most of the students and faculties who participated agreed that the innovative methods were more useful learning tools. They also agreed that students become more interested in the subject and develop a positive attitude towards education.

We conclude that innovative methods like Buzz group, Case/Image are very effective tools to improve students’ learning experience in large group teaching.