Summative program evaluation of a Student-Led Seminar Series in the subject of physiology: an outcome-based study

Abstract

Purpose: Active involvement of students in their learning process is a recommended andragogical approach to increase student engagement. Many new teaching-learning strategies based on active learning have been implemented, but their efficacies to achieve the proposed benefits of attaining knowledge, skills, and attitude have not been evaluated, especially in the field of medical education. We substituted passive learning in the conventional tutorial classes with an active-learning strategy of Student-Led Seminar Series (SLSS) in the subject of physiology over 4 months and performed program evaluation for the SLSS.Methods: Sixty-four first-year medical undergraduate students volunteered to participate, who were divided into groups to present seminars on the allocated topics under the guidance of a mentor. At the end of 4 months, program evaluation was done using Kirkpatrick’s model of evaluation—levels 1 and 2, which correspond to reaction and learning, respectively.Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed in students’ satisfaction, and the self-perceived increase was observed in knowledge, skills, and attitude.Conclusion: Program evaluation of SLSS not only established the significant impact of SLSS as an andragogical approach but also helped us in the improvisation of the program for the next cycle.

Snippets of Student Centric Methods for Postgraduate Teaching

“…Over a 4-month period, the effectiveness of the SLSS program was evaluated and statistically significant improvement in student satisfaction and self-perceived increase in knowledge, skills and attitude was reported. 11 In our study, Pathology residents benefited from studentled seminars focused on urinalysis and instrumentation of colorimeters, spectrophotometers, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Firstly, taking the lead in preparing and delivering seminars enhanced their understanding of the subject matter as they delved into the details, critically analyzed concepts to synthesize knowledge.…”

Development of contextual learning models through collaboration between lecturers, students, and village governments in nursing education

“…A study conducted at Medical College, Navi Mumbai, in India showed that students who participated in active learning strategies helped voice their ideas independently. They were more effective in groups and increased their acceptance of the ideas/views presented in the group[28]. Providing constructive feedback in a problem-based learning (PBL) tutorial has been shown to facilitate cognitive and behavioral changes for both the students and tutors during and after the PBL tutorial[29].Learning assessment is an important activity in the learning cycle.…”