Use of Traditional and Computerized Practical Examinations in Neuroanatomy

Signature Grand, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate student perceptions of practical exam formats. Background. In a previous study, we discovered students would not be opposed to a PowerPoint practical using photos of lab specimen (HPERS 2008). The midterm practical exam utilized PowerPoint. However, the final practical was a traditional exam using tagged specimens. Results. Almost all of the students found the practical exams enjoyable (45%) or helpful (50%). Many students felt the traditional practical was much better than (46%) traditional practical exams they had taken previously. Most students indicated they would request this method in the future (81%). Almost the entire class said the specimens were clear (94%). However, only 67% of the students preferred the traditional tagged practical over the PowerPoint method. Almost unanimously (92%), the class preferred this multiple choice practical exam over the typical fill-in-the blank lab practical exams. Conclusion. Although students were very pleased with the PowerPoint practical, they preferred the traditional exam. However, student perceptions of this exam may be colored by the use of multiple choice questions. Regardless, it is clear the combination of multiple choice questions for tagged neuron-anatomical structures proves to be the preferred testing method. It allows for word recognition without stress over spelling and validates student time studying in lab.