Does Pre-Test Accelerate Learning Pattern In Undergraduate Medical Students? A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Tamilnadu

Objectives: Our objective was to asses if pre-test accelerates learning pattern in undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted by the Department of Pharmacology at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kancheepuram district, Tamilnadu. A total of 121 II^nd year MBBS students were divided into A and B batches with 61 and 60 students respectively. Objective type questions were prepared from the chapter “Haematinics” and were validated which contained extended match questions. B batch students were informed about the theory class topic the next day which will be preceded by a pre test and a post test at the end of the lecture. They were even given a copy of the topics from which questions were framed. A batch students were unaware about this plan of having pre and post tests the following theory class. On the day of lecture, all the students were given pre-test questions (total no: 20). The answer sheets were collected at the end of specified time period and evaluated. At the end of the lecture class, post test was conducted. Marks were tabulated with a maximum score of 20. Statistical analysis: Paired t-test was used to analyze the data obtained. Mean, Standard deviation and standard error of mean were calculated by feeding the data in SpSS software. Results: Both A and B batches have performed well in post-test than pre-test. p<0.001.Girls have scored more than boys in pre and post test. p<0.001. Discussion and Conclusion: Pretest and post-test way of evaluating students is an effective and feasible way of fun learning. The method of assessment using pre and post test questionnaire should be made mandatory in all medical schools/colleges after every theory class.