Usefulness of Crossword Puzzles in Helping First-Year BVSc Students Learn Veterinary Terminology

Abstract

(Spain) at the time of this study. His main area of research focuses on the metabolic changes that occur around calving in dairy cattle and he is also interested in educational methods that could facilitate students' learning and methods of assessment of clinical skills. He is currently Lecturer in Ruminant Health and Production at the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University (Australia) and Secretary&Treasurer of the Spanish Association for Veterinary Education (VetDoc). E-mail: aabuelo@csu.edu.au. ORCID ID: 0000-0001-9734-0148.Cristina Castillo BVSc, PhD, is Associate Professor at the Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain. ORCID ID: 0000-0002-2467-6406. Her research focuses on ruminants' metabolism, particularly on the effects that nutrition have on it. She is also interested in methods to increase students' communication skills while learning. She is the current president of the Spanish Association for Veterinary Education (VetDoc).Stephen A. May, VetMB, PhD, DVR, DEO, FHEA, FRCVS, DipECVS, is the Professor of Equine Medicine and Surgery and the Deputy Principal, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield AL9 7TA UK. Stephen is the Director of the Lifelong Independent Veterinary Education (LIVE) Centre that supports discipline-focused pedagogical research in veterinary education. His areas of research include teaching, learning and assessment, equine lameness, and large-animal diagnostic imaging. 2 AbstractAppropriate terminology is essential for successful communication among health professionals. However, students were traditionally encouraged to learn terminology by rote memorization and recall, strategies that students try to avoid. The use of crossword puzzles as a learning tool has been evaluated in other education disciplines, but not for terminology related to veterinary science. Hence, the objective of this study was to test whether crossword puzzles are an effective aid in the process of learning veterinary terms. Forty-two first-year students were randomly divided into two groups and their previous knowledge of veterinary terms tested. One group received a list of 30 terms with their definitions and the other one the same list plus six specially designed puzzles incorporating these 30 terms. Subsequently, both groups completed a post-intervention test and the results were compared statistically. The results showed that the students using the crossword puzzles performed better in the post-intervention test, and retained correctly more terms than the students using just rote learning. In addition, qualitative data, gathered through an electronic survey and focus group discussions, revealed a positive attitude of students towards the use of crossword puzzles.

Students’ perceptions of Plickers and crossword puzzles in undergraduate studies

“…This is in line to inculcating a culture of complex practice that allows students to apply critical thinking skills. These findings generally agree with prior research that crossword puzzles can promote students’ academic performance by increased student engagement and more interaction between the lecturer and the students (Abuelo et al., 2016; Saldana‐Balmori & Delgadillo‐Gutiérrez, 2010). Because the crossword puzzles were part of a group activity, this study also explored the student's perception of peer learning in solving crossword.…”

“…Another interesting pedagogical tool that can be used to enhance active learning is crossword puzzles. Crossword puzzles encourage logical thinking, correct spelling, and can motivate students to know factual information (Abuelo, Castillo, & May, 2016; Bailey, Hsu, & DiCarlo, 2017; Raines, 2010). Crossword puzzles are commonly viewed as a way to use what is known to learn new words or facts.…”

Short-term gains in histology knowledge: A veterinary gaming application

“…In one study, testing the effectiveness of crossword puzzles as a learning aid to veterinary terminology researchers concluded students using the crossword puzzles performed better in the postintervention test, correctly retaining more terms than the students using only rote learning (Abuelo, Castillo, & May, 2016). The crossword intervention was not a digital game; however, the gaming concepts similar to this study are applicable.…”

Crossword Puzzle as a Learning Tool to Enhance Learning about Anticoagulant Therapeutics

“…One of the interesting comments repeated by several students is the fact that spelling was an obstacle while solving the puzzle. Other researchers reported similar spelling challenges surfaced while solving CWPs 3,55,72,73 . For pharmacy students, such accuracy is vital to patient and medication safety.…”