Comparative evaluation of the efects of visual aids on learning pharmacology of autonomic nervous system

Abstract

J Vidhiya Sagaran, Ravi Indla, Regina Roy, Sureshkumar Srinivasamurthy, Alice Kuruvilla

Objectives: (1) To teach students about the pharmacology of autonomic nervous system through three different visual aids; (2) To evaluate the student’s knowledge acquired through visual aids, by pre- and post-test; (3) To get student’s feedback on three teaching methods. Materials and Methods: Subjects: MBBS students beginning the pharmacology course. Visual aids used: PowerPoint (PPT) slides, computers with Ex Pharm 2000 software (computer assisted learning [CAL]), graphic illustrations. Evaluation: Before initiating the lectures, the students are given a pre-test to assess their knowledge. Then, the students are taught with graphic illustrations, CAL, and PPT slides. After each teaching method, posttest with questions at more advanced level will be posed to probe their understanding. The students who are present for pre-test and at least two post-tests are alone included for statistical analysis. Students are grouped into three (Groups A, B and C) based on the marks they have received. Group A includes students who score below 50% and Group B between 50% and 75%. Group C includes above 75%. All the groups are compared between and within for all three modes of teaching. Finally, students will fill questionnaire to express their view on these teaching methods. Results: There was statistical significance between pre-test and all post-tests as compared by Mann–Whitney U test. The mean score within the Groups A and B were compared by paired t test which also showed significance ( P < 0.05). Statistical analysis by paired t test showed P value as highly significant (0.000). However, the comparison of mean score among Group C showed no statistical significance. Students expressed their opinion on each teaching method. Conclusion: Visual aids facilitate the learning process. In our study, all visual aids complemented each other and imparted a good knowledge to students.