Assessment of Knowledge Retention Ability of Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Being a natural phenomenon, the knowledge learned by students is quickly forgotten. However, various factors are pertinent for one's memory and knowledge retention ability. This ability is not investigated earlier among pass and fail students of a particular exam. OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare short term memory and Knowledge retention ability among pass and fail students of mid-term exam. METHODS: 103 first-year MBBS students were examined in 3 cycles after result of mid-term examination announced. These cycles consisted of 2 components related with short term memory (1 st & 2 nd cycles) & knowledge retention ability (3 rd cycle) with one week duration apart. RESULTS: Class attendance of pass, fail and absentees groups demonstrated statistically significant (P<0.0005) difference among them being in the order of pass> fail > absentees and significant correlation with marks obtained. A comparison between short term memory & knowledge retention ability also demonstrated statistically significant (P<0.0005) difference. CONCLUSION: The quality of learning positively correlates with the class attendance. Short term memory and knowledge retention abilities are significantly better in pass students and statistically correlate with each other. Regular conduct of such tests is suggested to assess short term memory & knowledge retention ability so that appropriate methods to enhance these can be adopted.

Effect of Story-Based Audio Visual Mnemonics in Comparison with Text Reading Method on Memory Consolidation among Medical Students: A randomized Controlled Trial

“…According to an assessment of knowledge retention ability of undergraduate medical students of year one MBBS UMDC, Karachi, it has been concluded that memory and knowledge retention play an essential role in medical student's grades. The study has suggested the medical education system should be customized in a way where medical students would be able to store knowledge and whatever been taught into their long term memory, which indirectly achieving effective learning (9). Mnemonics are one of the methods to enhance memory consolidation.…”