Event Title
Use of traditional and computerized practical exams in neuroanatomy
Location
HPD South Atrium
Format
Poster
Start Date
16-1-2010 11:30 AM
End Date
16-1-2010 12:30 PM
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: 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 specimen.
PURPOSE: To evaluate student perceptions of different practical exam formats.
METHODOLOGY: Optometry (N=104), Physical (N=43) and Occupational (N=29) Therapy students were given a multiple choice survey.
RESULTS: Almost all of the students found the practical exams enjoyable (45%) or helpful (50%). Many students felt this 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 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.
CONCLUSIONS: Although students were very pleased with the PowerPoint practical, they preferred the traditional exam. However student perceptions of this exam may be affected by the use of a multiple choice format. Regardless, it is clear the combination of multiple choice and tagged neuro-anatomical structures is the preferred testing method. It allows for word recognition without anxiety over spelling, while validating time spent studying in lab.
Use of traditional and computerized practical exams in neuroanatomy
HPD South Atrium
INTRODUCTION: 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 specimen.
PURPOSE: To evaluate student perceptions of different practical exam formats.
METHODOLOGY: Optometry (N=104), Physical (N=43) and Occupational (N=29) Therapy students were given a multiple choice survey.
RESULTS: Almost all of the students found the practical exams enjoyable (45%) or helpful (50%). Many students felt this 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 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.
CONCLUSIONS: Although students were very pleased with the PowerPoint practical, they preferred the traditional exam. However student perceptions of this exam may be affected by the use of a multiple choice format. Regardless, it is clear the combination of multiple choice and tagged neuro-anatomical structures is the preferred testing method. It allows for word recognition without anxiety over spelling, while validating time spent studying in lab.
